Ozark's "Devil" Escapes Prison Manhunt Intensifies!

Marshals Believe ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ Escaped Arkansas

A convicted murderer and former police chief, known chillingly as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” has likely fled Arkansas after a daring prison escape last month, according to a recently unsealed federal court filing. The escape of Grant Hardin has sparked a significant manhunt, with authorities now focusing their efforts beyond the state’s borders.

The criminal complaint, filed in Little Rock’s federal court, details the investigation into Hardin’s escape from the Calico Rock prison. Authorities believe Hardin cleverly donned a makeshift law enforcement uniform to facilitate his breakout from the maximum-security wing of the primarily medium-security North Central Unit. Investigators are currently exploring whether his kitchen job within the prison provided him access to materials used in creating this disguise.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert J. Hammons, in the complaint, mentions two previously reported, unconfirmed sightings of Hardin: one in central Arkansas and another in southern Missouri. Based on these sightings, investigators now believe Hardin has successfully evaded capture and left the state. The filing highlights Hardin’s extensive knowledge of the Ozark Mountain region, suggesting he may be hiding in the area's caves and rugged terrain.

While the complaint doesn't offer additional details on sightings or evidence of Hardin’s escape route, the Arkansas Department of Corrections has released an updated photo rendering of Hardin, aiming to aid in his apprehension. Initial searches focused on north-central Arkansas, but those efforts haven’t yielded results. Tips regarding sightings outside this region have also proved fruitless so far.

Hardin’s history adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing manhunt. A former police chief in Gateway, a small town near the Arkansas-Missouri border, he is serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape. His notoriety was further amplified by the TV documentary, “Devil in the Ozarks.” The investigation into his escape is ongoing, and authorities are actively pursuing all available leads.

Key facts about the case:

• Grant Hardin, known as the "Devil in the Ozarks," escaped from the Calico Rock prison.
• He used a makeshift law enforcement uniform to aid his escape.
• Authorities believe he has fled the state of Arkansas.
• The search focuses on the Ozark Mountain region.
• Investigators are exploring whether his prison job aided his escape.

The escape of Grant Hardin underscores the complexities of prison security and the determination of those who choose to evade justice. While the manhunt continues, the collaborative efforts of federal and state law enforcement agencies offer hope for a swift resolution and the apprehension of this dangerous fugitive. The updated photo and ongoing investigation provide a renewed sense of determination in bringing Hardin to justice and ensuring the safety of the communities he may be targeting.

Tags: Arkansas escape, Prison break, Ozark Mountains, Convicted murderer, Grant Hardin, Manhunt, Federal investigation, Devil in the Ozarks, Law enforcement uniform, Fugitive, Prison escape, Updated photo, Small town police chief

Source: https://apnews.com/article/devil-ozarks-grant-hardin-arkansas-3d3fc7f550fc47e4b4e7e60999c7cf04