Grant Hardin, a former police chief and convicted murderer known as the “Ozark Devil,” escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Arkansas this past weekend. Hardin, who was serving time for murder and rape, impersonated security guards and walked through an open gate. His escape sparked concerns among victims’ families, particularly those of James Appleton, whom Hardin murdered in 2017.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections faced scrutiny over Hardin’s housing in a medium-security facility. Efforts to capture him, hampered by heavy rain and rugged terrain, involve the use of dogs, drones, and helicopters. Local law enforcement urged residents to secure their homes.
While community members expressed alarm, one local characterizes Hardin as a clever survivor, raising fears about his ability to evade capture. Hardin, sentenced to a total of 80 years for his crimes, had been in prison since 2017. The search continues as authorities work to locate him in the challenging Ozark Mountains.
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