Former Police Chief Escapes from Arkansas Prison

News Summary

In a shocking turn of events, former police chief Grant Hardin escaped from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas. Dressed in a makeshift law enforcement outfit, he slipped away undetected, prompting a significant manhunt by local authorities and the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Hardin, known for his severe criminal background, poses a serious risk to the community. Search operations are ongoing, and residents are urged to report any sightings to law enforcement as the race to recapture him intensifies.

Former Police Chief on the Run After Dramatic Escape from Prison

There’s a wild story unfolding in Arkansas that has everyone talking! It all started on **May 25** when **Grant Hardin**, a former police chief, made a daring escape from the **North Central Unit** in **Calico Rock**. At around **3:40 p.m.**, Hardin, who is **56 years old** and weighs **259 pounds**, managed to slip out of a secure entryway. Now, local authorities are on high alert, as they consider him to be **extremely dangerous**.

Who is Grant Hardin?

Hardin isn’t your typical inmate. Before he was locked up, he served as the police chief for **Gateway, Arkansas**, for a short stint in early 2016. He’s no stranger to law enforcement, having also worked as a police officer, county constable, and corrections officer. However, things took a dark turn when Hardin pleaded guilty in **2017** to first-degree murder and rape. He was sentenced to a whopping **30 years** for the murder of **James Appleton**, a city water employee, and an additional **50 years** for the 1997 rape of a school teacher. That’s a lot of time behind bars!

The Great Escape

Hardin’s escape didn’t take long to discover; authorities realized he was missing within just **twenty minutes**! He was dressed in a **makeshift outfit** that attempted to mimic law enforcement attire, which added a layer of shock to the entire situation. A photo shared by local law enforcement shows Hardin pushing a cart loaded with materials at the time of his escape. It’s believed he may have had inside knowledge on how to navigate the facility.

Search Efforts Underway

Once the escape was discovered, a massive search operation kicked into gear. Local law enforcement teamed up with the **Arkansas Department of Corrections**, deploying **K-9 units**, **drones**, and other resources in their quest to find Hardin. Unfortunately, the rainy weather has made the search efforts challenging. However, officials remain hopeful that conditions will improve, allowing them to track him down more effectively.

Why is Everyone So Concerned?

The fact that Hardin has a background in law enforcement raises serious concerns among local residents. With his knowledge of police tactics, he poses a significant risk to the community. Hardin’s familiarity with law enforcement may give him an advantage that authorities and concerned citizens are anxious about.

The Facility and Its Role

The **North Central Unit**, where Hardin was held, has a capacity of around **800 prisoners** and is located about **130 miles north of Little Rock**. The facility has seen many faces pass through its gates, but this escape has turned more heads than usual. With a criminal like Hardin on the loose, the community is understandably unsettled.

Call for Information

With Hardin still at large, local law enforcement is urging anyone who might have seen him or has information regarding his whereabouts to step forward. Every detail could make a difference in bringing him back into custody.

Stay Tuned

This ongoing situation is one that many are keeping a close eye on, and updates are expected as the investigation progresses. It’s a compelling reminder of how unpredictable life can be and how swiftly situations can change. Here’s hoping the authorities find Hardin soon, ensuring the safety of the entire community!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• KTLO
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• Arkansas Online
• USA Today
• Google Search: Grant Hardin prison escape