Ex-police chief and convicted killer who escaped from an Arkansas jail has been captured
Share this @internewscast.com

A former police chief and convicted murderer infamously nicknamed the “Devil in the Ozarks” was apprehended by authorities 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the prison he had escaped, after an extensive manhunt lasting nearly two weeks in the northern Arkansas mountains, officials reported on Friday.

Grant Hardin, who once served as police chief in the small town of Gateway, close to the Arkansas-Missouri border, had been incarcerating for extended terms due to convictions of murder and rape. His notoriety was significant enough to merit a TV documentary, “Devil in the Ozarks.”

When officers approached, Hardin made a brief attempt to flee, but was swiftly subdued and brought to the ground, according to Rand Champion, a representative of the Arkansas prison system.

“He’d been on the run for a week and a half and probably didn’t have any energy left in him,” he added.

Hardin’s identity was confirmed through fingerprinting, the Izard County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

There’s no indication that Hardin was injured, though he will be checked for dehydration and other medical problems.

Now, investigators are “chomping at the bit and really ready to talk to him,” Champion said, who used his cellphone to capture an image of Hardin being led away by officers. Hardin said nothing during those moments.

Hardin had been held at the Calico Rock prison since 2017 after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in a fatal shooting. In order to escape, he had impersonated a corrections officer “in dress and manner,” according to a court document. A prison officer in one of the guard towers opened a secure gate, allowing him to walk out of the facility.

Champion said that someone should have checked Hardin’s identity before he was allowed to leave, describing the lack of verification as a “lapse” that’s being investigated.

Searchers had been using bloodhounds, officers on horseback, drones and helicopters in their hunt for Hardin since he escaped on May 25.

An elite and highly trained U.S. Border Patrol team had recently joined the search, federal authorities announced this week.

The Border Patrol Tactical Team known as BORTAC provided “advanced search capabilities and operational support” in the hunt for Hardin, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said. Its members are experienced in navigating complex terrain, the agency said. The Ozark Mountains region is known for its rocky and rugged landscape, thick forests and an extensive cave network.

Hardin pleaded guilty in 2017 to first-degree murder for the killing of James Appleton, 59. Appleton worked for the Gateway water department when he was shot in the head Feb. 23, 2017, near Garfield. Police found Appleton’s body inside a car. Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Hardin’s DNA was also matched to the 1997 rape of a teacher at an elementary school in Rogers, north of Fayetteville. He was sentenced to 50 years for that crime.

Cheryl Tillman, Appleton’s sister, was with her mother and sister at a flea market in Ozark, Missouri, when law enforcement called to tell her Hardin had been captured. Tillman is also the mayor of Gateway, the 450-person town where Hardin was briefly police chief.

Tillman told The Associated Press that Hardin’s capture was a “big sigh of relief” for her whole family.

“We don’t have to walk around, turning around all the time, thinking somebody’s on our back,” Tillman said, emphasizing her appreciation for the officers who helped capture Hardin.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
NTSB report details how controller decision and tech failures led to deadly runway collision

NTSB Report Reveals Controller Decisions and Technical Failures Contributed to Fatal Runway Collision

A recent federal investigation has uncovered a series of safety lapses that…
USF missing students: Body found on Howard Franklin bridge ID'd as Zamil Limon; Nahida Bristy still missing; roommate is charged

Tragic Discovery: Zamil Limon’s Body Found on Howard Franklin Bridge While Search for Nahida Bristy Continues; Roommate Faces Charges

In Tampa, Florida, authorities have discovered the body of one of two…
gif of U.S. strike on suspected narco terrorist ship in the Eastern Pacific

US Military’s Precision Strike: Two Narco-Terrorists Neutralized in Pacific Drug Bust

The United States military executed a deadly strike on a vessel in…
Redding police warn of high school water gun 'assassin' game

Redding Police Issue Advisory on High School Water Gun ‘Assassin’ Game

As graduation season draws near, a beloved high school tradition is once…
Rep. Max Miller's divorce from Sen. Bernie Moreno's daughter gets ugly

Rep. Max Miller’s Divorce from Sen. Bernie Moreno’s Daughter Intensifies

WASHINGTON — Ohio Representative Max Miller is embroiled in a contentious custody…
Billionaire John Catsimatidis celebrates first weekend as minor-league baseball manager

Billionaire John Catsimatidis Takes on New Role as Minor-League Baseball Manager

In a bold move intertwining sports with business, billionaire John Catsimatidis is…
Ilhan Omar husband’s California winery closes its doors amid scrutiny of congresswoman’s family finances

California Winery Owned by Ilhan Omar’s Husband Shuts Down Amid Financial Scrutiny

A California winery, co-owned by Tim Mynett, the husband of Democratic Representative…
2026 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears fans excited for 1st round pick Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman as draft continues Friday

2026 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears Enthusiasts Anticipate First-Round Selection of Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman as Draft Progresses Friday

In an exciting development for Chicago Bears fans, the team’s top draft…
Simple act can lower risk of early death by 45%: new study

Discover the Simple Habit That Could Slash Your Risk of Early Death by 45%

Participating in elections might just be your ticket to both civic responsibility…
Trump pledges to clean up 'filthy' Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool and turn it 'American-flag blue'

Trump Vows to Transform Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool with Patriotic Makeover: ‘American-Flag Blue’ Vision

In a bold initiative ahead of the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebration,…
Teen killed in Mall of Louisiana mass shooting identified, 1 suspect arrested

Tragic Mall of Louisiana Shooting: Teen Victim Identified as Authorities Arrest Suspect

A 17-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a shooting at the…
Spirit Airlines could be used to transport troops, military cargo if Trump admin takes over bankrupt carrier: report 

Trump’s Bold Plan: Transforming Bankrupt Spirit Airlines into a Military Transport Fleet

The White House is reportedly weighing a plan to assume control of…