Former Arkansas Police Chief on the Loose After Prison Break

Strategic Insights -

Former police chief Grant Hardin, who was serving decades-long sentences for murder and rape, escaped from a state prison in northern Arkansas on Sunday and is still on the loose. Hardin, 56, escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock, donning a makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement, and authorities are still investigating the details of his escape. The search for Hardin has involved hundreds of law enforcement officials from federal, state, and local agencies, with officials using dogs, drones, and aircraft to track him down.

Key Takeaways:

  • Grant Hardin, a 56-year-old former police chief, escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on Sunday while serving sentences for murder and rape.
  • Hardin was serving a total of 50 years in prison, including a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder and two 25-year sentences for two counts of rape served consecutively.
  • He pleaded guilty to murder in 2017 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, and in 2019, he pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, which were served consecutively.
  • Hardin's escape was not immediately clear, with officials reporting that he wore a makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement and appeared to exit through a sally port.
  • The search for Hardin has involved hundreds of law enforcement officials from federal, state, and local agencies, with officials using dogs, drones, and aircraft to track him down.
  • Hardin has a background in law enforcement, serving as a police officer, police chief, and county constable throughout his career.
  • He was previously the police chief for the small town of Gateway near the Missouri border and served as a police officer in Fayetteville, Huntsville, and Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
  • Hardin completed a program on anger management in 2019 and has had no major disciplinary issues during his imprisonment.
  • Authorities have asked anyone with information on Hardin's location to contact local law enforcement immediately.

Statistics:

  • Grant Hardin, 56, escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on Sunday.
  • He was serving a total of 50 years in prison, including a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder and two 25-year sentences for two counts of rape served consecutively.
  • He pleaded guilty to murder in 2017 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, and in 2019, he pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, which were served consecutively.
  • He is 6 feet tall and approximately 259 pounds, according to prison records.
  • Hundreds of law enforcement officials are working on finding Hardin, with officials using dogs, drones, and aircraft to track him down.

Sources:

  • Arkansas Department of Corrections
  • CNN
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Arkansas Democrat Gazette
  • KHBS
  • Stone County Sheriff's Office