Law enforcement is still looking for a former Arkansas police chief convicted of rape and murder after he escaped from prison over the weekend. Authorities say Grant Hardin, 56, is still on the loose as the manhunt for the ex-police officer entered its fourth day on Thursday, May 29. New details have emerged regarding how he escaped the prison facility without resistance.
How he escaped
As Straight Arrow News recently reported, Hardin, who had been serving time for a murder and a separate rape and kidnapping case, left prison in a law enforcement disguise. How he left undetected was previously undisclosed, but ABC News reported that the disguise worked well enough for a prison guard to open a secure gate, allowing Hardin to walk free from the North Central Unit prison in Calico, Arkansas.
Officials said it is unclear how Hardin obtained the uniform, which appeared to be “homemade or brought in somehow.” Security camera footage shows Hardin pulling an industrial cart, which authorities say he left outside the prison after escaping. Investigators said they are currently investigating whether his work in the complex’s kitchen played a role in his escape.
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The United States sees about 2,000 jailbreaks per year, with most occurring at minimum security prisons and very few at higher security prisons, many being attributed to staffing shortages.
Reward for capture
Investigators believe Hardin is still in the area and are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the former police chief. Authorities warned people in Izard County and surrounding areas to remain “vigilant,” advising residents to lock doors in their homes and lock up vehicles. They urge anyone who witnesses suspicious behavior to call 911.
Search effort
Federal, state and local officials are working in concert to find Hardin, according to a statement from the U.S. marshals during the week of May 25. Authorities are also using K9s and drones to search in the forest for the criminal. They also stated that they are in touch with other states regarding Hardin’s potential whereabouts. Investigators noted that there are plenty of places for Hardin to hide, including the mountains and caves.
Hardin’s crimes
Hardin has worked across several law enforcement departments in Arkansas. Officials said he has a history of behavioral and performance issues. He most recently worked as police chief in Gateway, Arkansas.
Hardin was convicted of first-degree murder in connection to the shooting death of 59-year-old James Appleton in 2017. Appleton’s sister, who is the mayor of Gateway, called Hardin an “evil man” and called his escape “almost like déjà vu all over again.” Hardin was also convicted of rape and kidnapping after DNA evidence from a 1997 sexual assault of a schoolteacher in Rogers, Arkansas, connected him to the crime. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for Appleton’s murder and additional 50 years for the rape and kidnapping of the elementary teacher.
