CALICO ROCK, AR – An escaped murderer, infamously dubbed “the Devil in the Ozarks,” was apprehended following a nearly two-week manhunt, according to Arkansas law enforcement officials. Grant Hardin, a former police chief serving a lengthy prison sentence, was captured on Friday, bringing an end to the search that had gripped the region.
Authorities released images showing Hardin at the moment of his capture, hiding in the woods and surrounded by law enforcement. He had previously managed to escape from the Calico Rock prison on May 25, disguising himself as a law enforcement officer, which triggered an extensive search operation across northern Arkansas.
Hardin was found approximately a mile and a half from the prison he had fled, near Moccasin Creek in Izard County. His identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis, officials said. The search involved hundreds of local, state, and federal agencies, aided by tracking dogs that eventually led to Hardin’s discovery.
The former police chief, who was convicted of rape and murder, had walked out of the prison facility after donning a makeshift law enforcement uniform. An image captured him in disguise, pushing a wheeled cart, marking his last known sighting before the escape.
Law enforcement officials noted that Hardin’s background in law enforcement complicated the search efforts, as he was familiar with police tactics and procedures. However, the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies ultimately led to his recapture.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement expressing relief and gratitude for the successful operation. “Thanks to the great work of local, state, and federal law enforcement, Arkansas can breathe a sigh of relief,” Sanders said, acknowledging the contributions of the various agencies involved.
The governor also extended her thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem for their support in providing U.S. Marshals to aid in the search. Hardin’s capture ensures that a dangerous criminal is back behind bars, restoring a sense of safety to the community.
The arrest of Hardin marks a significant victory for law enforcement in Arkansas, highlighting their dedication and perseverance in bringing a dangerous fugitive to justice.