• Grant Hardin, the “Devil in the Ozarks,” escaped from a medium-security prison in Arkansas, sparking a large manhunt. The former police chief had managed this escape despite being under tight security.
• He was serving long sentences for murder and rape, crimes committed while working as a police officer. The former police chief still impacts the community with fear due to his past actions.
• Authorities use dogs, drones, and helicopters to search the difficult terrain and ask the public for help. As the former police chief still evades capture, the search intensifies across Arkansas.

Grant Hardin, a former police chief known as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” escaped from a prison in Arkansas on Sunday afternoon. Hardin fled the North Central Unit, a medium-security prison in Calico Rock. Authorities launched a manhunt across the rugged Ozark Mountains to find him. The search involves many law enforcement agencies using dogs, drones, and helicopters. The area is rocky and remote, which makes catching him difficult. Heavy rain has slowed the search efforts even more, yet the former police chief still remains elusive.

Who Is Grant Hardin and Why Was He Imprisoned?

Hardin led the small-town police department in Gateway, Arkansas, near the Missouri border. He became infamous for violent acts and earned the nickname “Devil in the Ozarks.” In 2017, Hardin pleaded guilty to murdering James Appleton, a local water department employee. Appleton was found shot in the head inside his car. The court sentenced Hardin to 30 years in prison for the murder. His DNA also linked him to a 1997 rape of an elementary school teacher in Rogers, Arkansas. He received an additional 50 years for that crime. Hardin was a police officer in Eureka Springs when the rape happened.

Hardin’s Troubled Time as Police Chief in Gateway

Hardin became Gateway’s police chief in 2016. The town has about 450 residents. Almost immediately, his behavior alarmed the community. He chased cars for no clear reason. He pulled guns on citizens multiple times. These actions made people feel unsafe and angry. The 2023 HBO documentary “Devil in the Ozarks” covers these events in detail. Hardin had a tense relationship with James Appleton, which worsened over time. Appleton once confronted Hardin about fixing a police car. The city council gave Hardin a choice: resign or be fired. He resigned after only four months in office.

The Murder and Its Aftermath

Nine months after resigning, Hardin shot Appleton. The documentary reveals the tense moments before and after the murder. John Bray, a local resident, was driving by when he heard a rifle shot. He found Appleton’s body in his car and identified Hardin as the shooter. Security video later showed Hardin dining with his family shortly after the murder. During police questioning, Hardin chose to remain silent.

How Grant Hardin Pulled Off His Prison Escape

On Sunday, Hardin disguised himself as a corrections officer. He copied their clothes and behavior to fool a prison guard. The guard opened a secure gate and allowed Hardin to walk out. Officials have not confirmed how Hardin got the uniform. They are investigating whether he made it himself or stole it. Surveillance video captured Hardin escaping at about 2:55 p.m. Prison officials announced the escape roughly two hours later. They continue to investigate if anyone helped Hardin. Despite the passage of time, this former police chief still manages to evade numerous search efforts.

The Wide Search for Hardin Across Arkansas

After the escape, law enforcement agencies spread out to find Hardin. They use trained dogs, drones, and helicopters to cover the difficult terrain. The search started near the prison but has expanded over time. The area around the prison is rural and rocky, which can help or hinder the search. Small communities nearby may spot him and call the police. But the rough landscape and recent rains create obstacles for officers on the ground.

Community Reactions: Fear and Anxiety Rise in Gateway

Cheryl Tillman, Gateway’s mayor and the sister of the murder victim, spoke about her shock. She said her “heart sank” when she learned about the escape. Anxiety in the town has grown since Hardin fled. Tillman admitted feeling scared and nervous. She doesn’t like guns but said her family now keeps a loaded weapon at home for protection. The town is on edge as officials work to capture Hardin quickly.

Why Did Authorities House Hardin in a Medium-Security Prison?

The Arkansas Department of Corrections decided to keep Hardin in a medium-security prison after reviewing his case. This prison holds about 800 inmates. Officials said they balance the security needs of the facility with each inmate’s history. Hardin has a record of very violent crimes. Benton County prosecutor Bryan Sexton said few inmates have such serious charges. Sexton praised law enforcement for their efforts to capture Hardin swiftly.

Recent Jail Breaks Highlight Risks

Hardin’s escape happened shortly after a jail break in New Orleans. Ten inmates escaped through a hole behind a toilet. Authorities have caught eight of those fugitives so far. These events show how prisons face ongoing security challenges.

What Happens Next in the Manhunt?

Officials continue to investigate every lead. They want to know if anyone helped Hardin escape. Multiple agencies work together to find him. The Arkansas Department of Corrections asks the former police chief still be reported to authorities if spotted. The search will continue until Hardin returns to custody.