The manhunt for former police chief Grant Hardin, known as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” is intensifying after Arkansas authorities released an updated photo showing him with facial hair. Hardin escaped from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock on May 25. The FBI and U.S. Marshals are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Dangerous Fugitive With Law Enforcement Background
Grant Hardin, a former police chief serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape, escaped from Arkansas’ North Central Unit in Calico Rock on May 25. His escape was discovered within 30 minutes, but the convicted killer – known as the “Devil in the Ozarks” – has managed to evade capture, prompting authorities to release an updated photo showing how he might appear now with facial hair.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) stated, “The search for escaped inmate Grant Hardin is ongoing as teams continue to focus their efforts in the north central Arkansas region while investigating tips as they are received.” Hardin, a 6-foot White male weighing approximately 259 pounds, was seen during his escape wearing clothing resembling an ADC uniform, utilizing his law enforcement background to disguise himself effectively.
Violent Criminal History and Ongoing Manhunt
Hardin was convicted of murdering James Appleton in 2017, a case that garnered significant attention and was featured in a television documentary. Additionally, DNA evidence later linked him to a 1997 rape case, further cementing his reputation as an extremely dangerous individual with a pattern of violent criminal behavior.
Authorities have announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to Hardin’s capture, indicating the high priority of this manhunt. The ADC noted, “With over a week passing since Hardin escaped the North Central Unit, we are releasing a possible updated headshot which could reflect how he might look today,” as part of their effort to enlist public assistance while warning that Hardin should be considered “a very dangerous individual.”
The devil in the Ozarks. Yes it’s a real documentary on ID channel about Grant Hardin, who is now one of the most wanted in America.
He was serving 80 years for 1997 rape and 2017 murder. He literally walked out of the prison in northeast Arkansas wearing a fake police… pic.twitter.com/WbnwUa90WM
— USMC Lady Vet 🇺🇸 (@Arkypatriot) May 31, 2025
Security Failures Under Investigation
Questions are mounting about the security protocols that allowed a high-profile inmate with law enforcement experience to escape from the facility. State legislators, including Republican Rep. Howard Beaty and Sen. Matt McKee, have raised serious concerns in a formal statement:
“Given Hardin’s background as a former law enforcement officer and his history of working for multiple law enforcement agencies, it is evident that he possesses knowledge and skills that enabled him to exploit weaknesses in our security protocols.”
Investigations are currently underway to determine how Hardin’s kitchen job may have facilitated his escape and why he was housed at the Calico Rock facility despite his violent criminal history. Though primarily a medium-security prison, Hardin was reportedly housed in a maximum-security wing, raising additional questions about the appropriateness of his placement and the effectiveness of security measures.
Law enforcement officials are focusing their search in areas where Hardin has known connections, including Garfield, Eureka Springs, Holiday Island, and Huntsville, Arkansas. The escape occurred shortly after a separate incident where 10 prisoners escaped from a New Orleans facility, highlighting broader concerns about prison security across the region.
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Arkansas officials release new photo of escaped ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ on run for weeks
Arkansas authorities release photo rendering of ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ as manhunt continues