‘Devil in the Ozarks’ who escaped prison likely still in Arkansas area: officials
Share this @internewscast.com

It has been 72 hours since a former Arkansas police chief serving decades in prison for murder and rape escaped from prison on Sunday afternoon.

According to the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC), on Sunday afternoon, former Chief of the Gateway Police Department, Grant Hardin, 56, managed to escape from the North Central Unit located in Calico Rock.

During a news conference on Wednesday, ADC Communications Director Rand Champion shared, “We have a fairly clear understanding of the route he might have taken and the circumstances surrounding his escape, including any potential security lapses.”

Champion also mentioned, “Given the information we have and our teams’ expertise, there is a strong belief that he remains in this vicinity,” but cautioned that “just one vehicle could be enough for Hardin to leave the area,” although authorities have set up a perimeter in Stone County.

The victim, a teacher at Frank Tillery Elementary in Rogers, said she was raped by a man with a gun at the school.

“It was proven to be Mr. Hardin beyond all scientific certainty,” Nathan Smith, the prosecuting attorney for Benton County at the time, told the outlet.

ADC Communications Director Rand Champion

Rand Champion said investigators believe Grant Hardin is still in the Arkansas area. (KFSM)

Authorities confirmed Hardin’s DNA matched the DNA linked to the rape suspect. Harrison was ambushed while preparing a lesson plan for the week. The case had been cold for nearly two decades.

Hardin ended up pleading guilty to the rape in 2019.

“Grant Hardin, in my view and in my personal experience, is one of the most dangerous people that I ever seen for the reason that he does not at first appear that way,” Smith previously said. “He is a man capable of a seemingly random, horrific murder as well as a random, horrific rape.”

Hardin is described as a 6′ white male, weighing approximately 259 pounds. 

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

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Michael Bernard Bell execution: Man who killed Jimmy West, Tamecka Smith to be executed by lethal injection at FL State Prison

Florida State Prison to Execute Michael Bernard Bell for Murders of Jimmy West and Tamecka Smith

STARKE, Fla. — A man who shot and killed two people outside…
Woman with red hair on a balcony, enjoying a coffee break during her time teaching English in Vietnam.

UK Traveler Faces Court for Alleged E-Scooter Incident Resulting in Father’s Death After Six-Hour Pub Outing, Faces 20-Year Sentence

A British backpacker has been brought to court over allegations of fatally…
Walmart dairy aisle with various yogurts on shelves.

Consumers Advised Against Eating Yogurt Contaminated with Plastic in Oreo and M&M Varieties

SHOPPERS are being warned to stay away from a popular yogurt brand…
President Trump speaking at a podium.

Trump Issues Stern Warning to Putin, Declares Lack of Trust While Ukraine Unleashes Drone Attack

DONALD Trump has warned Vladimir Putin he’s “disappointed but not done” with the…
New Investigation Into Autopen Scandal Spells Big Trouble for the Biden Team

Fresh Probe into Autopen Controversy Could Mean Major Issues for Biden Administration

It’s been an interesting day for news about investigations of Democrats.  Earlier,…
US inflation hits new high amid Trump's tariffs

US Inflation Soars to Record Levels as Trump’s Tariffs Take Effect

On a monthly basis, prices climbed 0.3% from May to June, after…
Judge says Trump administration can't use travel ban to keep 80 refugees out of the US

Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Use of Travel Ban to Exclude 80 Refugees from Entering U.S.

A federal judge has prohibited the Trump administration from applying its travel…
Prince Harry flies abroad as Meghan Markle stays in US for 'safety'

Prince Harry Travels Overseas While Meghan Markle Remains in US for ‘Security’

Prince Harry has jetted off to Angola where he’ll walk across explosive…
Camp Mystic Recreation Hall damaged by flood.

Heartbreaking Story of How a 9-Year-Old Camp Mystic Victim Was Identified After Floods, Revealing Her Bravery

ONE of the youngest victims in the Texas floods was identified by…
How to prepare for July 2025 Mercury retrograde in Leo

Tips for Navigating Mercury Retrograde in Leo in July 2025

Buckle up and bite your tongues my babies, the second Mercury retrograde…
Immigration agents demand tenant information from landlords, stirring questions and confusion

Immigration Officials Request Tenant Details from Landlords, Raising Uncertainty and Concerns

ATLANTA (AP) — Immigration officials are requesting that landlords provide them with…
Chicago shooting: Family, friends say goodbye to Taylor Walker , victim killed outside Artis Lounge in River North

Farewell to Taylor Walker: Family and Friends Mourn Shooting Victim Outside Artis Lounge in River North, Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — Family and friends gathered to say goodbye to Taylor…