Police chief Grant Hardin caught after escaping Arkansas prison - BBC

Ex-Police Chief Grant Hardin Recaptured After Arkansas Prison Escape

In a dramatic turn of events, former Arkansas police chief Grant Hardin, who had been on the run after escaping from prison on May 25th, has been apprehended by authorities. The recapture brings a sense of relief to the community, marking the end of a tense two-week search.

Hardin, infamously nicknamed the "Devil in the Ozarks," was serving a lengthy prison sentence for murder and rape. His escape, characterized by officials as involving a "makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement," sparked an intensive manhunt involving local, state, and federal agencies.

Here's a breakdown of the key details:

• Capture Time: Approximately 3:45 PM local time on Friday.
• Location: Just 1.5 miles (2.5km) from the prison facility in Izard County.
• Circumstances: Hardin attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended after tracking dogs picked up his scent near Moccasin Creek.
• Confirmation: Fingerprint analysis confirmed Hardin's identity following his capture.

A spokesperson for the Arkansas prison system stated that Hardin tried to run from officers but was quickly tackled to the ground.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed the collective sentiment, stating that residents "can breathe a sigh of relief" now that Hardin is back in custody. She also extended her gratitude to federal law enforcement officials, including the Department of Homeland Security for sending Border Patrol agents, for their assistance in the search.

Hardin's criminal history is deeply disturbing:

1. Murder Conviction: Hardin pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2017 shooting of 59-year-old James Appleton, a water department employee in Gateway. He received a 30-year prison sentence for this crime.
2. Rape Conviction: While serving time for murder, DNA evidence linked Hardin to the unsolved 1997 rape of a 27-year-old teacher at Frank Tillery Elementary School in Rogers, Arkansas. He pleaded guilty and received an additional 50-year sentence.

The Izard County Sheriff's Office released a statement expressing their appreciation for the community's support during the operation: "We sincerely appreciate the continued support of the community for all law enforcement and Department of Corrections personnel involved in this operation."

The search efforts were significantly bolstered by the deployment of an elite Border Patrol Tactical Team from the Texas border. Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez emphasized the team's "unique capabilities and training are well-suited for the demands of this critical mission." Their arrival, just a day before Hardin's capture, highlights the seriousness with which authorities approached the situation, given the challenging mountainous terrain and extensive cave systems in the area.

With Hardin back in custody, the focus now shifts to understanding the details of his escape and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The swift and coordinated response from law enforcement serves as a testament to their dedication to public safety, bringing a much-needed sense of closure to this unsettling chapter.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgqd47drj7o