Grant Hardin, a convict featured in the HBO documentary “Devil in the Ozarks,” escaped from an Arkansas prison nearly ten days ago. The Arkansas Department of Corrections has released an updated photo of the 56-year-old, who may now appear different after his escape from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock on May 25. Officials reported that Hardin, seen on surveillance footage, evaded guards by pushing a cart with wooden pallets while wearing a law enforcement-style uniform.
Hardin has a troubled history; he briefly served as police chief in Gateway, Arkansas, in 2016 before resigning after four months. During his tenure, he had a notable conflict with city employee James Appleton over police expenses. The situation escalated, leading to Hardin fatally shooting Appleton on February 23, 2017. Initially sentenced to 30 years, DNA evidence later linked Hardin to a 1997 rape case for which he received an additional 50-year sentence.
As authorities focus on the search in north-central Arkansas, where Hardin’s parents reside in Garfield, the reward for information leading to his capture has increased to $25,000. This includes contributions from the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service. Hardin is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing around 259 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. The corrections department urges anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the FBI.
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