Killer Dubbed ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ Escapes Prison Thanks to Guard Oversight, Ignites Statewide Manhunt [WATCH]

Authorities in Arkansas are in the third day of a massive manhunt after convicted killer and rapist Grant Hardin, 56, escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock on Sunday, as reported by The New York Post.

Officials say Hardin walked out of the facility disguised as a law enforcement officer while pushing a cart loaded with utility supplies.

Authorities are telling people to lock their doors as they try to track down escaped inmate Grant Hardin for a third straight day.

Hardin is a former police chief serving time in an Arkansas prison for rape and murder.

Investigators say he was wearing a makeshift outfit… pic.twitter.com/UQLT3V1cWf

— Paige Lobdell (@producerpaige_) May 28, 2025

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Hardin, a former police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, was serving an 80-year sentence for murder, rape, and kidnapping.

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The Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) has confirmed that a prison guard allowed Hardin to pass through a secure exit without verifying his identity, prompting an internal investigation into the breach.

According to prison officials, it took approximately 30 minutes for staff to realize Hardin was missing. The identity of the guard who allowed the exit has not been released.

Hardin was featured in the 2023 documentary Devil in the Ozarks, which chronicled his criminal background and trial. He was convicted of the 2017 shotgun killing of James Appleton, 59, an employee of the Gateway water department.

Appleton was speaking on the phone with then-Mayor Andrew Tillman when Hardin shot him in the back of the head. Cheryl Tillman, Appleton’s sister and now mayor of Gateway, described her reaction to the escape: “It just seemed like my heart just quit beating.”

“He’s just an evil person,” Tillman said, adding that her family fears Hardin could return to the town of fewer than 450 people.

Officials are scouring Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains for former police chief and convicted killer Grant Hardin, 56, who escaped from prison over the weekend. Known as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” Gateway Mayor Cheryl Tillman called him “just an evil person.” https://t.co/2Dbbq9qkZM pic.twitter.com/A5mTmtD423

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) May 28, 2025

While serving his sentence for murder, Hardin was linked by DNA to a 1997 cold case involving the rape and kidnapping of an elementary school teacher in a school bathroom during a church service.

He pleaded guilty to that case in 2018 and was sentenced to an additional 50 years.

The search effort currently spans the Ozark Mountains, where law enforcement agencies are using helicopters, drones, and K-9 units.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Grant Matthew Hardin.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at https://t.co/SSrD2eNdL0. pic.twitter.com/tDkJ6dG62N

— FBI Little Rock (@FBILittleRock) May 29, 2025

The terrain is proving difficult, with over 2,000 documented caves and numerous abandoned cabins and campsites that could serve as hiding spots.

“He knows where the caves are,” said Darla Nix, a cafe owner in Pea Ridge who knew Hardin.

“He’s very, very smart and will do whatever it takes to survive.”

ADC spokesperson Rand Champion confirmed that cave systems have become a primary focus in the ongoing search. “There are a lot of places to hide and take shelter,” Champion said.

Multiple agencies are involved in a manhunt for Grant Hardin, who was serving time for rape and murder. He escaped by disguising himself as a prison guard, and residents are advised to stay vigilant and lock their doors as Hardin is considered armed and dangerous.
More:… pic.twitter.com/2To4OpcJaY

— NewsNation (@NewsNation) May 29, 2025

Hardin served just four months as Gateway’s police chief before being fired over multiple allegations, including falsifying records, excessive force, and poor performance.

Officials urge anyone who may see Hardin to avoid contact and call law enforcement immediately. He is considered extremely dangerous.

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