Inmate Escapes from Arkansas Prison in Disguise
Authorities are in pursuit of Grant Hardin, a 56-year-old inmate who escaped from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on Sunday afternoon while dressed in a makeshift outfit resembling law enforcement gear. The Arkansas Department of Corrections reported that Hardin fled around 3:40 p.m., and his escape has raised alarms among prison and police officials.
Hardin, who has been incarcerated since 2017, is serving a lengthy 30-year sentence for first-degree murder and an additional term for rape. Before his imprisonment, he had an extensive career in law enforcement, having served as an officer in various departments and even as the police chief in Gateway, Arkansas. His criminal history gained notoriety when he was arrested in 2017 for the shooting death of a man in Gateway, which led to a plea deal for murder. Further investigations linked him to a 1997 cold case involving the rape of an elementary school teacher, resulting in additional convictions for rape in 2019, adding 50 more years to his sentence.
The Izard County Sheriff’s Office shared images from prison security footage showing Hardin in his disguise, pushing a cart loaded with supplies. He is described as approximately 6 feet tall and weighing around 259 pounds. Officials confirm that the disguise was not part of any Department of Corrections uniform, as all official equipment has been accounted for.
Local law enforcement has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Hardin, whose escape has underscored significant public safety concerns. A recent documentary titled “Devil in the Ozarks” sheds light on his criminal background and the serious nature of his offenses, further emphasizing the urgency of his capture.
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