Escaped Inmate with a Notorious Past Sparks Search in Arkansas
Calico Rock, Arkansas – Authorities in Arkansas are actively investigating whether a recent job assignment within the state prison’s kitchen played a role in facilitating the escape of a convicted felon known for his violent past, dubbed the “Ozarks Devil.”
Details of the Escape and the Suspect
Grant Hardin, 56, was detained at the North Central Unit, a facility classified as medium-security, where he also held a position working in the prison’s culinary department, according to Arkansas Department of Corrections spokesperson Rand Champion. Hardin managed to break free on Sunday, reportedly by disguising himself in a uniform resembling that of law enforcement officers.
“We’re examining whether his job in the kitchen provided him with access to tools or areas that could have aided his escape,” Champion explained to The Associated Press. The kitchen staff operates in two shifts, each comprising approximately 25 workers, based on a 2021 inspection report that highlighted strict inventory controls and proper storage protocols for utensils and equipment.
The Prison Grounds and Surroundings
The North Central Unit spans over 700 acres (around 280 hectares), featuring multiple structures including the kitchen, a greenhouse complex, and extensive pasturelands. The grounds also host a herd of over 100 horses, which are raised and trained by both inmates and staff, emphasizing the facility’s agricultural programs.
Hardin’s Criminal Background and Public Profile
Once a prominent police chief in Gateway, a small town near the Arkansas-Missouri border, Hardin was serving lengthy sentences for murder and sexual assault. His life story gained national attention through the documentary series “Ozarks’ Devil,” which explored his criminal history and the circumstances surrounding his crimes.
Ongoing Investigation and Rewards
Officials are scrutinizing whether Hardin’s work in the kitchen granted him access to other parts of the prison or to tools that could have been used in his escape, including the makeshift uniform he donned. Experts in criminal justice, like Bryce Peterson from CNA, note that prison escapes often involve a combination of motivation and opportunity, regardless of the facility’s security measures.
Law enforcement agencies at local, state, and federal levels continue their search efforts. The FBI has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Hardin’s capture. Authorities remain confident that he is still within the northern Arkansas region.
Current Search Efforts and Sightings
Search teams have established checkpoints near Calico Rock, and flyers with Hardin’s image are displayed in local businesses. There have been reports of sightings in nearby communities, including a possible sighting in the Short-tempered/Bakersfield area, approximately an hour’s drive north of Calico Rock. However, law enforcement officials have not confirmed these reports, emphasizing that no definitive evidence links the sightings to Hardin.
Authorities continue to canvass the area, and the sheriff’s office in Howell County, Missouri, has responded to a tip but has yet to locate the suspect. “At this point, we have no concrete evidence confirming he’s in Missouri or that the individual seen is indeed Hardin,” a sheriff’s spokesperson stated on Facebook.
Meanwhile, additional searches have been conducted in Faulkner County after new leads emerged, demonstrating the extensive scope of the manhunt.
Community Concerns and Family Reactions
Questions have arisen regarding the security protocols that allowed Hardin to work in the kitchen, especially given his violent history. Cheryl Tillman, whose brother James Appleton was murdered by Hardin in 2017, expressed her concern about the inmate’s employment in the culinary unit. “It seems he was given too much freedom in there,” she remarked, highlighting her family’s ongoing distress since his escape.
As the search continues, families and local residents remain anxious, fearing for their safety while authorities work tirelessly to apprehend the escaped inmate and bring him back into custody.
