Escaped Murderous Ex-Police Chief Sparks Manhunt in Arkansas

Grant Hardin, convicted of murder and rape, evades authorities, causing widespread alert.

Authorities in Arkansas are in a heightened state of alarm following the daring escape of a former police chief, Grant Hardin, who fled from the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock. Incarcerated since 2017, Hardin had been serving a 30-year sentence for the first-degree murder of 59-year-old James Appleton—an incident that reportedly involved a shocking confrontation with the victim and then-Gateway Mayor Andrew Tillman.

Hardin's escape was reported around 3:40 PM local time on Sunday, leaving state officials scrambling to respond. The Arkansas Department of Corrections confirmed that he had managed to change out of his prison garb into a "makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement," raising concerns about the potential dangers he poses to the community.

Local law enforcement has been called to action with an integrated network of agencies searching for the escaped convict, who they describe as "armed and dangerous." The Pea Ridge Police Department has warned residents not to approach Hardin, emphasizing his extensive local connections and the risks involved.

Former Benton County prosecutor Nathan Smith, who played a part in securing Hardin's conviction, described him as a "sociopath," setting him apart from other inmates. Hardin not only admitted to the murder of Appleton but also faced new charges tied to the unsolved rape of Amy Harrison, which occurred back in 1997. He later confessed to this crime as well and received a 50-year sentence for it.

Before his brief tenure as police chief in Gateway, Hardin served as an officer at the Eureka Springs Police Department but resigned amid allegations of misconduct, reflecting a pattern of violent behavior and temper issues. His escape follows a recent pattern of prison breaks in the region and has left the public on edge, with authorities urging anyone who spots Hardin to contact them immediately.