'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
Gilgo Beach suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann expected to plead guilty to killings of 8 women

Rex Heuermann to Admit Guilt in Gilgo Beach Murders of Eight Women

NEW YORK — In a chilling conclusion to a prolonged investigation, Rex…
Texas man tackled by church security after bringing loaded gun, ammo to Houston service

Church Security Apprehends Texas Man Carrying Loaded Firearm and Ammunition at Houston Service

A man from Texas, carrying a loaded firearm and over 100 bullets,…
Pete Hegseth issues Iran an ultimatum over enriched uranium stockpile

Pete Hegseth Delivers Stern Warning to Iran Regarding Enriched Uranium Reserves

On Wednesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a stark warning to…
Iran's UN ambassador takes swipe at Trump in final hours before Strait of Hormuz deadline

Iran’s UN Ambassador Criticizes Trump Ahead of Critical Strait of Hormuz Deadline

Hours before President Donald Trump’s ultimatum regarding the reopening of the Strait…
Trump tells The Post in-person Iran talks will happen ‘very soon’ — but reveals JD Vance might stay away over security concerns

Trump Announces Imminent Iran Negotiations Amidst JD Vance’s Security Concerns

In a recent discussion with The Post, President Trump revealed that he…
Athena Strand photo shows deadly ride with FedEx driver who admitted killing girl during Christmas delivery

Video Reveals FedEx Driver’s Disturbing Confession About Handling of 7-Year-Old Athena Strand’s Body

A former FedEx driver, now convicted of murdering 7-year-old Athena Strand, revealed…
City’s BLM-era mental health push puts cops in danger after sword-wielding suspect stabs officer: police

BLM-Era Mental Health Reform: Are Police Officers at Greater Risk After Recent Sword Attack?

In the wake of the George Floyd tragedy and the subsequent Black…
The move from DHS that would end international travel at SFO

DHS Decision Could Halt International Flights at SFO

Travelers flying internationally from San Francisco may face challenges if the Department…
Athena Strand photo shows deadly ride with FedEx driver who admitted killing girl during Christmas delivery

Tragic Christmas Delivery: FedEx Driver Confesses to Killing Athena Strand in Shocking Turn of Events

A chilling photograph captures 7-year-old Athena Strand just moments before she was…
First-ever photo of Earth from moon’s far side unveiled as Artemis II begins journey home, Trump weighs in

Artemis II Captures Historic First Photo of Earth’s Far Side as Trump Comments on Space Milestone

In an extraordinary feat, NASA has released a groundbreaking photograph taken from…
Porta-potty blown to pieces in NY park in suspected fireworks explosion

Fireworks Incident Destroys Porta-Potty in New York Park

A startling incident unfolded in a Yonkers park when a portable toilet…
Trump mulls punishing NATO countries that didn't assist Iran war effort: report

Trump Considers Sanctions on NATO Allies for Lack of Support in Iran Conflict: Report

President Trump is contemplating a strategy aimed at sanctioning NATO allies that…