As authorities comb through the rugged terrain of the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas, they are on high alert following the daring escape of Grant Hardin, a former police chief and convicted murderer known as the “Devil in the Ozarks.” This alarming event took place over the weekend, when Hardin successfully impersonated a guard and walked out of the North Central Unit, also referred to as Calico Rock prison, with the help of an unsuspecting corrections officer.
Hardin was serving a combined 80 years for offenses including first-degree murder and rape. His escape has left not only law enforcement but also the family of one of his victims in a state of anxiety. Cheryl Tillman, sister of the slain victim James Appleton, expressed her distress over Hardin’s flight, noting that she and her relatives were present during his trial, making them particularly vulnerable now that he is on the loose.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections spokesperson, Rand Champion, highlighted the unusual attire worn by Hardin during his escape, emphasizing the difficulties this incident poses as the search unfolds. Authorities are deploying a variety of resources, including canine units, drones, and helicopters, to comb through the challenging landscape, which has been made even more difficult by recent heavy rains.
Champion indicated that the escape occurred around 2:55 PM on Sunday, with the public being notified roughly two hours later. With an expanding search area, emphasis has been placed on how the topography—rocky and rugged—could both hinder and funnel Hardin’s movement.
Retired U.S. Marshal Craig Caine weighed in, indicating that while rural settings provide some cover, they also come with risks; the likelihood of Hardin running out of supplies increases, and residents in close-knit communities are likely to recognize him, raising the chances of his capture.
Local law enforcement officials, including Izard County Sheriff Charley Melton, have urged residents to secure their homes and report any suspicious activity. The community is reeling from the memories of Hardin’s crimes, as District Attorney Bryan Sexton remarks on the difficult task of re-engaging families who thought they had moved on.
Gateway, Arkansas, a small town with a population of around 450, is a stark contrast to bustling Bentonville. This rural backdrop fuels concerns about safety as locals remember Hardin not just as a criminal, but as someone who was once part of their community. Several residents, including café owner Darla Nix, describe him as intelligent and resourceful, suggesting that he may have a significant advantage in evading capture.
Tillman voiced her anguish regarding Hardin’s escape, reiterating her conviction that he poses a danger to society. Hardin’s past convictions include the brutal murder of Appleton, an innocent victim who was shot while working, and a separate conviction related to the rape of a teacher. His time at the Calico Rock facility since 2017 had offered a semblance of security that has now been shattered.
This unfolding situation poses not only a legal challenge for authorities but also an emotional crisis for the community that still grapples with the consequences of Hardin’s actions. The search intensifies as the clock ticks, with many hoping for a swift resolution to this troubling escape.