'Devil in the Ozarks': FBI offers $10k reward for capture of former Arkansas police chief on the run
Share this @internewscast.com

The FBI is offering a $20,000 reward for details leading to the recapture of an ex-Arkansas police chief who was serving time for murder and rape. Known as “the Devil in the Ozarks,” he escaped on May 25.

Grant Hardin, 56, the former chief of the Gateway Police Department, made his escape from the North Central Unit, a medium-security prison located in Calico Rock, that Sunday afternoon, as per the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

The FBI said Hardin has ties to Garfield, Eureka Springs, Holiday Island and Huntsville. 

The FBI’s Little Rock Field Office is working alongside the U.S. Marshal Service, the Arkansas Department of Corrections, and the Arkansas State Police in the search and apprehension of Grant Matthew Hardin, according to an FBI wanted poster.

Hardin was sentenced to 30 years for murder plus additional time for rape. 

He pleaded guilty to the 2017 murder of James Appleton, 59, a city water employee who was found shot in the face inside his work truck, KNWA reported. While Hardin was being booked into the state prison around that time, officials submitted his DNA sample into a database. His DNA ended up linking him to the rape cold case of a teacher in 1997, the outlet reported. 

Hardin ended up pleading guilty in that case in 2019, according to KNWA.

The former police chief’s escape came two days after 10 prisoners escaped a correctional facility in New Orleans, eight of whom have since been re-captured while two remain at large.

Hardin is described as a 6 ft. white male, weighing approximately 259 pounds. The FBI is asking tipsters to call 1-800-CALL-FBI with any information concerning the escapee.

Fox News’ Stepheny Price and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Steve Cropper, guitarist and member of Stax Records' Booker T and the M.G.'s, has died at age 84

Legendary Stax Records Guitarist Steve Cropper Passes Away at 84: Remembering His Iconic Legacy

Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist and songwriter whose soulful tunes defined an…
Eric Dane talks about living with ALS, grateful to be working

Eric Dane Opens Up About Life with ALS and His Gratitude for Continued Career Success

In a heartfelt revelation, actor Eric Dane opened up about his experience…
Trump Appointees Helped Sustain Russiagate Hoax

Trump’s Appointees Played Key Role in Maintaining Russia Investigation Narrative

President Trump’s own political appointees played a crucial role in sustaining the…
DOJ unseals indictment for Palatka man accused of robbing bank

DOJ Unveils Indictment Against Palatka Resident in Bank Robbery Case

A 46-year-old man, identified as Jordon Roger Anchando, could face up to…
Top Republican Accuses Mike Johnson of Blocking FBI NDAA

Prominent Republican Criticizes Mike Johnson for Obstructing FBI NDAA Legislation

A provision aimed at increasing congressional oversight of FBI counterintelligence investigations into…
Chicago City Council members flex political muscle in dispute on city budget, Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed corporate head tax

Chicago City Council Asserts Influence in Debate Over City Budget and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Corporate Head Tax Proposal

Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson faces a challenging situation as his proposed budget…
'More Morbid Mess': Jermaine Richards' body sat unidentified at Cook County morgue for more than 2 years, family tells ABC7 I-Team

Family Reveals Shocking Delay: Jermaine Richards’ Body Unclaimed at Cook County Morgue for Over Two Years

CHICAGO — Recent findings have emerged in an ongoing investigation by ABC7’s…
Doctor, wife gunned down in shooting outside California home; authorities probing possibly-linked suicide

Tragic Family Incident: Son Allegedly Kills Esteemed Doctor and Wife, Sets Car Ablaze Before Suicide

The son of a prominent radiologist from Southern California is believed to…
Police: Florida teacher used AI to make child sexual abuse images of students

Florida Teacher Receives 135-Year Sentence for AI-Generated Student Exploitation Images

David McKeown, a former educator at a Volusia County school, has been…
GameStop buys Pokemon card for $30k in its highest trade-in ever

GameStop Sets Record with $30k Pokémon Card Purchase, Marking Largest Trade-In Deal Yet

GameStop recently turned heads by humorously claiming that only “trolls” would argue…
State attorney finds actions by officer who shot 14-year-old in stolen car pursuit were justified

State Attorney Concludes Officer’s Actions Justified in Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle Involving 14-Year-Old

A recent incident in Jacksonville has sparked discussions about the critical importance…
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2025

Experience the Magic: 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Unveiled

New York City is bustling with holiday cheer as the Rockefeller Center…