Authorities are continuing their search for Grant Hardin, a former Arkansas police chief convicted of rape and murder, following his escape from prison over the weekend. The 56-year-old remains at large as the manhunt progresses into its fourth day, Thursday, May 29. New information has surfaced about the ease with which Hardin left the facility unnoticed.
According to reports from Straight Arrow News, Hardin, who was serving time for both a murder and a separate rape and kidnapping conviction, managed to exit the North Central Unit prison in Calico, Arkansas, by donning a law enforcement outfit. The precise method by which he evaded detection was not previously known, but ABC News has revealed that the disguise was convincing enough for a guard to open a secure gate, facilitating his escape.
Officials are uncertain about the origin of the uniform, suggesting it was either “handmade or smuggled in.” Surveillance footage captured Hardin pushing an industrial cart, which he abandoned outside the prison after his breakout. Authorities are probing whether his duties in the prison kitchen played a role in his escape plan.
In the United States, roughly 2,000 jailbreaks occur annually, predominantly at minimum-security facilities, with few incidents at higher-security prisons. Many escapes are linked to staffing shortages.
Investigators suspect Hardin remains in the vicinity and are offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to his capture. Residents in Izard County and neighboring areas have been advised to stay alert, secure their homes and vehicles, and report any suspicious activities by calling 911.
Federal, state, and local agencies are collaborating to locate Hardin, as noted in a U.S. marshals statement during the week of May 25. The search efforts include the use of K9 units and drones to scour the wooded areas. Coordinations with other states are also in progress to track possible movements of the fugitive.
Hardin, having worked in multiple law enforcement roles across Arkansas, has a documented history of behavioral and performance challenges. His last position was as the police chief in Gateway, Arkansas.
In 2017, Hardin was convicted of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of 59-year-old James Appleton. Appleton’s sister, the mayor of Gateway, described Hardin as “an evil man,” comparing his escape to a déjà vu experience. Additionally, Hardin was convicted of rape and kidnapping after DNA evidence linked him to the 1997 assault of a schoolteacher in Rogers, Arkansas. He received a 30-year sentence for Appleton’s murder, plus an additional 50 years for the rape and kidnapping charges.