Grant Hardin, former police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, has escaped custody while serving a 30-year sentence for murder and a subsequent 50 years for rape, leading to an urgent manhunt.**
Escape of Convicted Former Police Chief in Arkansas Sparks Nationwide Manhunt**
Escape of Convicted Former Police Chief in Arkansas Sparks Nationwide Manhunt**
Grant Hardin, a convicted murderer and rapist, escapes an Arkansas prison, prompting law enforcement agencies to launch a search for the dangerous felon.**
In a shocking turn of events, Grant Hardin, a former police chief convicted of murder and rape, has escaped from a prison facility in Arkansas, triggering a widespread search involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Hardin, 56, had been serving a 30-year sentence for the first-degree murder of James Appleton since 2017 when he made his break from the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock on Sunday afternoon.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections announced Hardin's escape on social media, noting that he had changed out of his prison uniform and donned a makeshift outfit resembling law enforcement attire. Authorities are urging anyone with information on Hardin's whereabouts to contact local law enforcement immediately. The Pea Ridge Police Department has also issued a public safety warning, describing Hardin as "armed and dangerous" due to his numerous connections in the region.
Hardin's criminal history traces back to a heinous crime in February 2017, when he fatally shot 59-year-old Appleton, who was speaking with the Gateway Mayor at the time. Additionally, DNA evidence linked Hardin to a long-unsolved 1997 rape case involving Amy Harrison, which followed his conviction for murder. The chilling narrative of Hardin's offenses has led former Benton County prosecutor Nathan Smith to label him a "sociopath."
Before his tenure as police chief, Hardin had already faced scrutiny within the police force for misconduct, having resigned after being informed he would be terminated for falsifying a police report. His violent history and temper raised red flags among colleagues, and those familiar with his background are not surprised by the severity of his convictions.
Hardin's escape comes on the heels of another recent prison break in New Orleans, further highlighting issues related to inmate security and escape prevention measures. As law enforcement intensifies their search for Hardin, the public remains on high alert, emphasizing the need for vigilance in communities across the area.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections announced Hardin's escape on social media, noting that he had changed out of his prison uniform and donned a makeshift outfit resembling law enforcement attire. Authorities are urging anyone with information on Hardin's whereabouts to contact local law enforcement immediately. The Pea Ridge Police Department has also issued a public safety warning, describing Hardin as "armed and dangerous" due to his numerous connections in the region.
Hardin's criminal history traces back to a heinous crime in February 2017, when he fatally shot 59-year-old Appleton, who was speaking with the Gateway Mayor at the time. Additionally, DNA evidence linked Hardin to a long-unsolved 1997 rape case involving Amy Harrison, which followed his conviction for murder. The chilling narrative of Hardin's offenses has led former Benton County prosecutor Nathan Smith to label him a "sociopath."
Before his tenure as police chief, Hardin had already faced scrutiny within the police force for misconduct, having resigned after being informed he would be terminated for falsifying a police report. His violent history and temper raised red flags among colleagues, and those familiar with his background are not surprised by the severity of his convictions.
Hardin's escape comes on the heels of another recent prison break in New Orleans, further highlighting issues related to inmate security and escape prevention measures. As law enforcement intensifies their search for Hardin, the public remains on high alert, emphasizing the need for vigilance in communities across the area.
