"Devil in the Ozarks" on the Loose Manhunt Underway!

The "Devil in the Ozarks" on the Run: What We Know About Grant Hardin's Escape

A chilling escape has gripped Arkansas, sending law enforcement on a relentless pursuit through the rugged Ozark Mountains. Grant Hardin, a former police chief and convicted killer, vanished from the North Central Unit, a medium-security prison in Calico Rock, over the weekend, sparking a massive manhunt. Here's what we know about Hardin and the circumstances surrounding his audacious escape:

The Escape: Impersonation and Investigation

Hardin's escape unfolded on Sunday afternoon in a brazen act of deception. According to court documents, he successfully impersonated a corrections officer, both in dress and manner, fooling a prison officer into opening a secure gate. Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections, confirmed that Hardin was not wearing standard inmate attire. How he obtained or manufactured the uniform remains under intense investigation.

Key facts about the escape:

• Escape Time: Approximately 2:55 p.m. on Sunday.
• Notification Delay: Officials announced the escape roughly two hours later.
• Investigation Focus: Determining how Hardin obtained the uniform and whether he received assistance.

The Arkansas Department of Corrections is thoroughly investigating the events leading up to the escape, focusing on any potential internal assistance Hardin may have received.

Why Was Hardin Incarcerated?

Hardin's criminal history is both violent and disturbing:

• Murder: In 2017, Hardin pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for fatally shooting James Appleton, 59, a Gateway water department employee. He received a 30-year sentence.
• Rape: Hardin's DNA linked him to the 1997 rape of an elementary school teacher in Rogers. He was sentenced to 50 years for this heinous crime. At the time of the rape, Hardin was a police officer in Eureka Springs.

Hardin had been held at the Calico Rock prison since 2017.

A Troubled Tenure as Police Chief

Before his descent into criminality, Hardin briefly served as police chief of Gateway, a small town of about 450 people, starting in 2016. His short tenure was marked by controversy and escalating tensions.

• Community Concerns: Residents described a dramatic shift in Hardin's behavior, including aggressive policing tactics and unwarranted confrontations.
• Conflict with Appleton: The HBO documentary "Devil in the Ozarks" highlighted a significant conflict between Hardin and Appleton regarding the repair of a police car.
• Forced Resignation: Facing an ultimatum from the city council, Hardin resigned just four months after taking the position. Nine months later, he murdered Appleton.

The "Devil in the Ozarks" Documentary

Hardin's story gained widespread attention with the release of the 2023 HBO documentary, "Devil in the Ozarks." The documentary offered a deep dive into Hardin's background, the events leading up to Appleton's murder, and the impact on the Gateway community.

The documentary featured interviews with:

• The victim of the 1997 rape.
• Sisters of the murder victim.
• Hardin’s family.

The Manhunt Intensifies

Authorities are utilizing all available resources, including canines, drones, and helicopters, to scour the rugged terrain surrounding the prison. The search area has expanded as time passes. The difficult terrain and recent heavy rains have presented significant challenges to search efforts.

Craig Caine, a retired U.S. Marshals inspector, notes that the rural nature of the area could both hinder and help the search. While the vast landscape offers potential hiding places, the close-knit community increases the likelihood of someone recognizing Hardin.

Moving Forward

The Division of Correction and the Division of Community Correction are working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to pursue all leads. The escape of Grant Hardin serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in the corrections system.

As the search continues, the focus remains on bringing Hardin to justice and ensuring the safety and security of the community. The dedication and resources being poured into this manhunt reflect the gravity of the situation and the unwavering commitment to apprehending this dangerous fugitive.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-former-police-chief-convicted-killer-escape-c57f39e08d7d0965b1f9fc6fe6b1cd3b