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Murder

"Devil of the Ozarks" Captured After 2-Week Manhunt

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Photographs reveal the heart-pounding moment when US Border Patrol agents tracked down and restrained convicted murderer and rapist Grant Hardin, who had escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Arkansas two weeks earlier. Hardin, a former police chief, had been on the run after impersonating a prison officer and slipping away from the facility on May 25. The dramatic photos, released by the US Border Patrol, show Hardin lying face down on the forest floor, with his arms tied behind his back with a ligature.

Key Takeaways:

  • Grant Hardin, a former police chief, escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Arkansas on May 25 by impersonating a prison officer.
  • The convicted murderer and rapist had been serving an 80-year sentence for murder and rape at the time of his escape.
  • Hardin was on the run for two weeks, evading authorities by burrowing deep into the rugged terrain of the Arkansas forest.
  • A massive search crew, comprised of rifle-wielding officers, helicopters, drone units, and dog teams, was deployed to comb the forest and locate Hardin.
  • Hardin was finally captured by US Border Patrol Special Operations Group officers after a brief struggle, during which he attempted to run before being restrained.
  • Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison for first-degree murder in 2017 and 50 years for a 1997 rape conviction.
  • His DNA was linked to the 1997 rape of a teacher at an elementary school in Rogers, north of Fayetteville.
  • Hardin's capture was met with relief by Appleton's sister, Cheryl Tillman, who is also the mayor of Gateway, the 450-person town where Hardin was briefly police chief.

Statistics:

  • The search crew consisted of rifle-wielding officers, helicopters, drone, and dog units.
  • Hardin was on the run for 2 weeks before being captured.
  • The North Central Unit prison is located in Arkansas.
  • Hardin was sentenced to 80 years in prison, consisting of 30 years for murder and 50 years for rape.
  • The 1997 rape conviction added 50 years to Hardin's sentence.
  • Hardin's DNA was matched to the 1997 rape of a teacher at an elementary school.

Sources:

  • NBC News
  • "Devil In The Ozarks" documentary
  • Arkansas prison system spokesperson Rand Champion
  • Stone County Arkansas Sheriff's Office
  • AP

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