RELATED VIDEO: Hunt for Hardin recap
IZARD COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Authorities have captured escaped Arkansas inmate Grant Hardin, purportedly called the “Devil in the Ozarks,” as reported by the Izard County Sheriff’s Office.
“Hardin was apprehended by Izard County authorities just a short distance from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock,” stated the Stone County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook. “Although there are still ongoing investigations, there is no longer an active threat to public safety.”
Board of Corrections member Benny Magness also confirmed that Hardin is in custody.
Hardin, who was serving time for murder and rape, was first reported missing from the North Central Unit nearly two weeks ago on May 25.
Hardin managed to escape by impersonating a law enforcement official, according to a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
Hardin allegedly impersonated an officer both in appearance and behavior, which led the corrections officer managing a secure gate to open it, allowing him to leave the North Central Unit,” according to a probable cause affidavit acquired by Nexstar’s KNWA.
Magness said he was captured about a mile from the unit in the woods, with help from a specialized unit from border patrol.
An extensive manhunt
During the nearly two weeks that Hardin spent outside of the prison, authorities launched a massive manhunt that included local, state and federal agencies.
The search for Hardin was complicated by the rocky, rough terrain that includes dense forests and an extensive network of caves.
“Thanks to the great work of local, state and federal law enforcement Arkansans can breathe a sigh of relief and I can confirm that violent criminal Grant Hardin is back in custody,” said Governor Sarah Sanders. “I am grateful for all law enforcement who contributed to his capture and give special thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem, who sent a team from Border Patrol that was instrumental in tracking and apprehending Hardin.”
“This was a great joint operation by a number of agencies, and I’m so thankful for their tireless efforts,” said Director of Division of Corrections Dexter Payne. “The Arkansas State Police, U.S. Marshals, FBI, Border Patrol, Game and Fish, all the state and local agencies, along with the dedication of our Department employees, all played an indispensable role and I express my extreme gratitude.”
Hardin, who was previously the chief of police in the small Arkansas town of Gateway, located near the Missouri border, had been incarcerated at Calico Rock since 2017.
He was serving 30 years after pleading guilty to murder in the fatal shooting of 59-year-old James Appleton, an employee for the Gateway water department. The prison term is in addition to a 50-year sentence for raping a teacher inside a Rogers, Arkansas elementary school in 1997.
This is a developing story.
