'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
Jury skepticism of experts could determine outcome in Karen Read murder trial: former judge

Former Judge Suggests Jury’s Doubt of Expert Testimonies Could Influence Karen Read Murder Trial Verdict

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Whenever there’s a battle…
President Trump banned travel from 12 countries, but included some exceptions to avoid legal battles

Trump Implements Travel Ban on 12 Nations, Includes Exceptions to Prevent Legal Issues

MIAMI — The recent travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries and…
Hamas working to 'sabotage' Trump-backed aid group with 'fake news': Israeli official

Hamas Attempts to Undermine Trump-Supported Aid Organization with ‘Misinformation’: Israeli Source

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation…
Fernandina Beach celebrates fifth annual Pride Festival during Pride month.

Fernandina Beach Hosts 5th Annual Pride Festival in Celebration of Pride Month

Fernandina Beach’s fifth Pride Parade fosters unity and inclusion with vibrant festivities,…
Ex-police chief and convicted killer who escaped from an Arkansas jail has been captured

Former Police Chief Turned Convicted Murderer Recaptured After Escaping Arkansas Jail

A former police chief and convicted murderer infamously nicknamed the “Devil in…
Person holding a carton of eggs in a supermarket.

Recalled ‘Contaminated’ Eggs from Walmart & Safeway Following ‘Multistate Infection Outbreak’ – Full List of Affected States Available

SHOPPERS have been issued a major health warning as millions of eggs…
Only one bottom line matters with Leon Rose's next Knicks steps

Leon Rose’s Next Moves for the Knicks: The Ultimate Deciding Factor

The seasoned mastermind had finally gotten a step ahead of himself. It…
Democratic states double down on laws resisting Trump's immigration crackdown

Democratic States Intensify Opposition to Trump’s Immigration Policies with New Laws

As President Donald Trump’s administration goes after states and local governments that…
Heather Robinson in interview with ABC News

The Chilling Tale of Heather Robinson: Kidnapped by Her Serial Killer Uncle Known as ‘Slavemaster’ Who Hid Bodies in Barrels

THE woman who was kidnapped by a serial killer and sold to…
Why were Bert and Ernie mentioned in Diddy trial?

What’s the connection between Bert and Ernie and the Diddy trial?

Editor’s Note: This article includes sensitive topics involving rape or sexual assault…
French Open finals: Coco Gauff defeats Aryna Sabalenka in 3 sets

Coco Gauff Triumphs Over Aryna Sabalenka in Three-Set French Open Final

It was the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 final in Paris…
Travis Decker, suspect in the murder of three young girls.

Mother of Three Daughters Claims ‘Something Snapped in Travis Decker’ While Sharing Heartbreaking Father’s Day Video

The mother of the three sisters discovered dead at a remote campsite…