In a dramatic and concerning turn of events, the FBI has announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to the recapture of former Gateway Police Department Chief Grant Hardin, who escaped from a medium-security prison in Arkansas on May 25. Hardin, who has been convicted of murder and rape and is infamously known as “the Devil in the Ozarks,” has ties to several communities in the region. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC), and local police, are actively searching for Hardin while urging the public to remain vigilant.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Details of the Escape Incident |
| 2) Investigative and Search Efforts |
| 3) Background of Grant Hardin |
| 4) Public Safety Concerns |
| 5) How to Assist in the Search |
Details of the Escape Incident
On the afternoon of May 25, 2025, former police chief Grant Hardin successfully made his escape from the North Central Unit, a medium-security prison located in Calico Rock, Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Department of Corrections, it took less than 30 minutes for officials to notice that Hardin was missing. The circumstances surrounding Hardin’s escape are still unclear, but it has been reported that he was able to maneuver through a sally port, where prison personnel failed to detect his absence promptly.
During this time, Hardin was wearing an ADC-style uniform, although this uniform was not an official prison outfit, according to authorities. The FBI is now actively assisting in the manhunt, and officials have established a perimeter around the area to restrict his possible routes of escape. Resources from various law enforcement agencies are being pooled in hopes of locating him quickly.
Investigative and Search Efforts
Local law enforcement, along with the FBI’s Little Rock Field Office, is conducting extensive searches of areas where Hardin is suspected to be hiding. He has ties to various communities, including Garfield, Eureka Springs, Holiday Island, and Huntsville, which adds complexity to the investigation. Authorities are optimistic about the information they have that suggests Hardin remains nearby.
“Based on the information that we have and the experience of our teams, they feel fairly confident that he is still fairly close to this region,”
stated Rand Champion, the ADC Communications Director. Despite this confidence, officials caution that it only takes one vehicle for Hardin to travel further and potentially evade capture.
Concern has been expressed about possible locations where Hardin may seek refuge. Experts, including former FBI agent Rob D’Amico, suggest that there are numerous unmanned and unlocked cabins in the wooded areas of Stone County. This might provide Hardin with the resources necessary to sustain himself while on the run.
Background of Grant Hardin
Grant Hardin, 56, is notorious for his violent criminal actions. Sentenced to 30 years for murder, he was also found guilty of rape in a separate cold case. Hardin’s criminal history traces back to the 2017 murder of James Appleton, a city water employee who was tragically found shot dead inside his work truck. Hardin’s murder conviction was later linked to a cold case involving the 1997 rape of a teacher when his DNA was discovered in a database during his booking into prison.
His plea agreements in both cases led to his substantial prison sentence, but now, his escape raises questions about not just his fate, but the criminal justice system’s ability to manage such dangerous individuals.
Public Safety Concerns
The escape of Hardin poses immediate threats to public safety, with authorities urging citizens to remain cautious. Champion has warned that the public should regard Hardin as “a very dangerous individual,” indicating a risk that he may commit further crimes while evading capture. The communities surrounding Stone County are particularly on high alert. Citizens have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
Law enforcement has taken steps to increase visibility and awareness in the area. Officials are working diligently to prevent panic while ensuring the community feels secure. Everyone is advised to keep their doors locked and to report sightings or tips concerning Hardin’s whereabouts.
How to Assist in the Search
The FBI has opened a line for public assistance, asking anyone with information about Hardin’s location to come forward. Individuals are encouraged to call the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The accompanying reward of $20,000 offered for credible information highlights the urgency and importance of public involvement in this case.
”We need the public’s help in bringing this individual back into custody,”
stated a spokesperson for the FBI, emphasizing that any tips can be vital in speeding up the manhunt.
As law enforcement continues to work tirelessly, local towns are urged to unite in their efforts against this threat, ensuring that they remain alert and ready to assist in any way they can. The proactive engagement of the community is essential in achieving a swift resolution to this alarming situation.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | The FBI is offering a $20,000 reward for information on Grant Hardin’s escape. |
| 2 | Hardin escaped from the North Central Unit in Arkansas in less than 30 minutes. |
| 3 | He has connections to several towns, complicating search efforts. |
| 4 | Authorities consider Hardin a dangerous individual due to his criminal history. |
| 5 | Community members are encouraged to report any sightings to local law enforcement. |
Summary
The escape of former police chief Grant Hardin has triggered a multi-agency manhunt and significant concern regarding public safety. As law enforcement continues to mobilize resources to locate this escapee, the involvement of the community proves essential. As authorities work diligently to restore safety, the offer of a reward underlines the urgency of the situation. Keeping the public informed and engaged will be crucial in recapturing Hardin before he can pose further threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why is Grant Hardin known as “the Devil in the Ozarks”?
Hardin is referred to by this nickname due to his violent criminal record, which includes convictions for murder and rape, making him a notorious figure in the region.
Question: How did Hardin escape from prison?
He escaped from the North Central Unit by maneuvering through a sally port, despite authorities noticing his absence within 30 minutes.
Question: What should community members do if they see Hardin?
Members of the community are advised to remain alert and contact local law enforcement immediately if they spot Hardin or have any information regarding his whereabouts.
