• Grant Hardin, a convicted killer and rapist, was captured 13 days after escaping an Arkansas prison in a fake uniform. His actions earned him the nickname the “Devil In The Ozarks” due to the fear and chaos he caused in the region.
• Law enforcement used tracking dogs and teamwork from local, state, and federal agencies to find him near Moccasin Creek.
• Officials are still investigating how he escaped and whether he had outside help.

Dangerous Killer Grant Hardin Caught After Escaping Prison

Authorities have finally caught Grant Hardin, a convicted murderer and rapist, after a 13-day manhunt. He escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Arkansas on May 25. Officers found him just 1.5 miles away from the prison, hiding in thick, remote terrain. Hardin’s escape sparked a huge search involving local police, state troopers, federal agents, and elite tactical teams. Officers confirmed his identity with fingerprint analysis and took him into custody without a fight. The Izard County Sheriff’s Office released the news of his capture with relief.

Fugitive Nicknamed “Devil in the Ozarks” Found Near Moccasin Creek

Hardin had earned the nickname “Devil in the Ozarks” for his brutal crimes and mysterious past. He was serving an 80-year sentence for the 2017 murder of James Appleton and a 1997 rape that had gone unsolved for years. The Arkansas Department of Correction said law enforcement tracked him down near Moccasin Creek. Tracking dogs picked up his scent, leading officers straight to him. U.S. Border Patrol and Arkansas police worked together to capture him. Their quick action and coordination ended the search before Hardin could reach a larger town or cross state lines.

Governor Thanks Law Enforcement and Border Patrol Team

Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders praised the officers who worked around the clock to catch Hardin. She said their efforts brought peace of mind to the people of Arkansas. She gave special thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem for sending a Border Patrol team that helped locate the fugitive. Their support played a key role in tracking Hardin across the rugged terrain near the prison. Governor Sanders called the capture a major success for public safety and a victory for justice.

Hardin Looked Thin and Weak After Days on the Run

Sources told Fox News that Hardin appeared malnourished when officers caught him. He had likely been hiding outdoors the entire time. Officials believe he had little food or shelter during his escape. The rough conditions in the woods and hills north of the prison made it hard for him to travel far. Officers said he had no weapons or gear with him when they found him. His arrest ended growing concerns that he might become violent again or try to flee the state.

Inmate Used Fake Uniform to Escape Through Prison Exit

Hardin used a clever disguise to escape. He wore a fake prison uniform that looked like the official clothing worn by Arkansas Department of Correction staff. Around 2:55 p.m. on May 25, he walked through a secure prison gate called a sally port. The trick allowed him to slip away before guards realized what happened. Officials said the fake uniform did not meet actual department standards. Still, it fooled staff long enough for Hardin to disappear into the surrounding woods.

Former Police Chief Turned Violent Criminal

Before his crimes, Hardin served as a police chief in Arkansas. That fact shocked many officers who once considered him one of their own. His fall from law enforcement officer to convicted murderer made headlines. The 2017 murder case and the older rape case showed how dangerous and deceptive he had become. His escape raised even more questions about prison security and how someone with his background managed to pull off such a bold plan.

State and Federal Officers Worked Day and Night

Arkansas Secretary of Corrections Lindsay Wallace thanked the many officers and staff involved in the manhunt. She said their hard work, sleepless nights, and use of every possible resource helped bring the search to an end. Law enforcement officers searched around the clock for nearly two weeks. They followed every lead and tracked every tip. Their determination finally paid off when they closed in on Hardin near the prison. Wallace said she was proud of their teamwork and commitment to public safety.

Sheriff’s Office Thanks the Community for Their Support

The Izard County Sheriff’s Office also thanked the public. Officers said local residents stayed alert and passed along helpful tips. Many community members supported law enforcement throughout the manhunt. The Sheriff’s Office said they appreciated the trust and patience shown by citizens during the stressful search. Officers credited the public with helping them stay motivated and focused on their mission to bring Hardin back to custody.

Prison Security Breach Still Under Investigation

Officials have not yet revealed exactly how Hardin got the fake uniform or whether he received help from inside or outside the prison. The Arkansas Department of Correction launched a full investigation into the escape. They want to know how such a serious security failure happened. Officials are reviewing prison procedures, checking staff logs, and interviewing everyone involved. The goal is to prevent another escape like this in the future.

Manhunt Ends but Questions Remain

Hardin is now back in custody, but many questions remain. Officers still want to know how long he planned the escape and if anyone else was involved. For now, law enforcement is relieved to have him off the streets. The arrest brings peace to a shaken community and ends a case that gripped the state. Investigators promise to share more details once they complete their review of the incident.