Authorities suspect that Grant Hardin, a former police chief and convicted murderer known as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” may have fled Arkansas following his prison escape last month, as suggested by a federal court document released this week.
This week, a federal court in Little Rock filed a criminal complaint against Hardin, who reportedly escaped from a prison in Calico Rock, Arkansas, by disguising himself in what resembled a law enforcement uniform.
The complaint, submitted by Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert J. Hammons, references two previously unverified sightings of Hardin—one in the central part of Arkansas, and the other in southern Missouri.
“Based on the available information, it is believed that Hardin has left Arkansas to avoid being caught,” the filing states, highlighting his extensive understanding of the Ozark Mountain area, where he might be hiding among the region’s caves or rugged landscapes.
Originally reported by The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the complaint does not present any additional sightings or indicate evidence suggesting Hardin has truly left the state. Despite this, Arkansas officials have concentrated efforts on north-central Arkansas, with other sighting reports proving unfruitful so far.
“Without any confirmed or verifiable sightings or proof placing him beyond this vicinity, we continue focusing our search efforts here,” stated Rand Champion, spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, in a Thursday report.
Hardin, formerly the police chief in the small town of Gateway near the Arkansas-Missouri border, was serving multiple sentences for murder and rape. His story and crimes were central to the TV documentary “Devil in the Ozarks.”
The Missouri Highway Patrol spokesperson mentioned no ongoing active search for Hardin but assured that patrols remain vigilant, responding to any tips. According to Lt. Eric F. Brown, the patrol has followed up on two leads regarding Hardin’s presence in Missouri, neither of which were substantiated.
Within the Calico Rock facility, Hardin was confined in a maximum-security section within an otherwise medium-security prison, known as the North Central Unit. Investigative efforts are ongoing to determine if Hardin’s work in the prison kitchen could have facilitated his escape, perhaps granting him access to materials used in creating his disguise.
Back in 2018, Hardin penned an 11-page letter to an Arkansas judge, describing his role in the prison kitchen that started around eight years prior. In the document, he expressed the desire to retract his plea deal in his murder case, but felt unable to do so.
In light of recent developments, the Arkansas Department of Corrections unveiled a new photo rendering of Hardin, depicting him with hair on his head and facial hair, reflecting what his current appearance might be.