Grant Hardin, a former police chief known as the ‘Devil in the Ozarks,’ was apprehended by law enforcement 1.5 miles from the prison from which he escaped, concluding an extensive two-week manhunt in the rugged mountains of northern Arkansas. Authorities announced the capture on Friday, marking the end of a frantic search for a convicted killer and rapist.
Hardin, who was serving long sentences for first-degree murder and rape, escaped from the Calico Rock prison where he had been incarcerated since 2017. His criminal actions gained national attention and led to the production of a documentary titled ‘Devil in the Ozarks.’ The details of his escape paint a troubling picture of the prison system’s failures.
Using deception, Hardin impersonated a corrections officer, complete with attire and demeanor, to gain access to a secure area of the prison. A prison officer, failing to verify his identity, opened a secure gate for him based on his impersonation. Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas prison system, described this lapse as a significant oversight that is now under investigation.
After escaping on May 25, Hardin initiated a run from law enforcement when spotted, but he was quickly subdued and tackled to the ground. Champion noted that after being on the run for so long, Hardin likely lacked the energy to escape further. Identification was confirmed through fingerprinting, and the Izard County Sheriff’s Office provided updates on their social media channel.
While there was no immediate indication of injuries, authorities planned to assess him for dehydration and other medical concerns. Investigators expressed eagerness to interrogate Hardin following his capture, which was documented by Champion using his cellphone.
The search for Hardin involved extensive resources, including bloodhounds, horseback officers, drones, and helicopters, which scoured the rugged terrains of northern Arkansas. Just after his escape, a bloodhound detected Hardin’s scent but lost track of it due to heavy rainfall, leaving searchers frustrated. Champion recounted how the bloodhound managed to follow Hardin for less than a quarter of a mile before the scent was lost in adverse weather conditions.
Federal authorities, recognizing the challenging terrain and the need for specialized support, deployed an elite U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Team. This team, known for navigating complex landscapes, assisted local authorities in tracking Hardin through areas rich with thick forests and extensive cave systems. U.S. Customs and Border Protection later shared imagery depicting Hardin shirtless and muddy, lying face down with hands restrained behind his back.
Hardin’s past is marred by severe criminal convictions. He pleaded guilty in 2017 to the shooting death of James Appleton, a 59-year-old employee of the Gateway water department. Appleton’s body was discovered in a vehicle, having sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head. For this crime, Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Additionally, DNA evidence linked Hardin to a 1997 rape of a school teacher in Rogers, Arkansas, leading to another 50-year sentence. The conviction and his notoriety deeply impacted the community around Gateway, including family members of his victims.
Cheryl Tillman, Appleton’s sister and the mayor of Gateway, expressed relief at the news of Hardin’s capture while she was with family at a flea market in Ozark, Missouri. She voiced gratitude to law enforcement for their dedication and remarked on the newfound sense of safety for her family. Tillman stated, ‘We don’t have to walk around, turning around all the time, thinking somebody’s on our back.’
Hardin’s career in law enforcement began over 35 years ago and was fraught with controversies even from the outset. He was dismissed from his first position with the Fayetteville police and continued to struggle in subsequent roles throughout his career. Official records indicate that he also resigned from his role at the Huntsville Police Department without clear reasoning.
While serving at the Eureka Springs Police Department from 1993 to 1996, former Chief Earl Hyatt noted that Hardin was about to be fired due to incidents involving excessive force. Hyatt commented, ‘He did not need to be a police officer at all,’ reflecting on Hardin’s problematic history in the law enforcement field.
By the time Hardin held the position of police chief in Gateway in 2016, he was known for erratic behavior, including chasing cars for no apparent reason. Tillman, who was featured alongside Hardin in the documentary ‘Devil in the Ozarks,’ recalled those troubling experiences.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on addressing the security failings that allowed an individual of Hardin’s criminal profile to escape custody and highlighting the need for reforms within the prison system. The aftermath of Hardin’s brief yet alarming escape serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of containing repeat offenders and the potential consequences on community safety.
image source from：https://www.npr.org/2025/06/07/nx-s1-5426538/ex-police-chief-escaped-arkansas-prison-captured
