Notorious Fugitive Grant Hardin Nabbed Near Arkansas Prison
Grant Hardin, infamously nicknamed the "Devil in the Ozarks," was apprehended in Arkansas after a dramatic prison escape that captured widespread attention. Hardin, a convicted murderer and former police chief, was found less than two weeks after fleeing a medium-security prison near Calico Rock, Arkansas.
Escape Details: How Did He Slip Away?
Hardin managed to slip away from the North Central Unit prison wearing a makeshift law enforcement uniform. A security lapse involving a tower guard who inadvertently opened a secure gate allowed Hardin to walk out undetected. Officials discovered his absence less than 30 minutes later, triggering an intense manhunt.
Manhunt and Recapture Close to Prison Grounds
Authorities found Hardin barely 1.5 miles northwest of the prison he escaped, near Moccasin Creek. When approached by officers, he attempted to flee once more but was quickly subdued and taken back into custody. The challenging search included drones, bloodhounds, and helicopters, all hampered by heavy rains and rising water levels in creeks, making the rugged terrain difficult for both teams and the fugitive.
Statement from Prison Officials and Prosecutors
Prison spokesperson Rand Champion acknowledged the difficulties posed by the high water levels, particularly around Moccasin Creek, which hindered earlier search efforts. Meanwhile, Benton County prosecutor Bryan Sexton, who led Hardin’s prior cases, revealed his belief that Hardin remained in the northern Arkansas area during his escape.
Sexton also expressed relief that Hardin has now been transferred to the Varner SuperMax prison, a facility renowned for its stringent security measures. This move underscores the priority to securely house inmates convicted of the most severe crimes, including Hardin himself.
Background on Grant Hardin's Crimes and Sentences
- Hardin, once the police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, is serving a 30-year sentence for the 2017 murder of city employee James Appleton.
- He also carries a separate 50-year sentence for a 1997 rape, linked to him by DNA evidence in 2018.
- He has been incarcerated at Calico Rock since 2017 after pleading guilty to first-degree murder.
Victim Impact and Public Reaction
Hardin’s capture has brought a sense of closure and relief to victims and their families. Cheryl Tillman, whose brother was shot by Hardin, described the news as a “big sigh of relief.” Sexton highlighted that with Hardin back in custody, victims can now begin to find peace.
High-Security Detention at Varner SuperMax
The Varner Unit, operating since 1987 southeast of Little Rock, holds over 1,700 inmates, including death row and high-risk prisoners. Its supermax section is reserved for the most dangerous offenders — a fitting setting for Hardin given the notoriety of his crimes and his recent escape attempt.
Legacy of a Notorious Case
Hardin’s saga has drawn national interest, notably following the release of a documentary titled Devil in the Ozarks. His case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the challenges in managing high-risk criminals within the prison system.
