FBI offers $10,000 reward for ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ escaped murder convict
The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the re-capture of former Arkansas police chief Grant Hardin, who is currently serving time for murder and rape. Hardin, also known as “the Devil in the Ozarks,” escaped from the North Central Unit, a medium-security prison, on May 25th in Calico Rock, according to the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC).
Hardin, 56, has ties to various areas in Arkansas including Garfield, Eureka Springs, Holiday Island, and Huntsville. The FBI’s Little Rock Field Office is working with the U.S. Marshal Service, the ADC, and the Arkansas State Police in the search for Hardin. Former FBI agent Rob D’Amico mentioned that Hardin’s background as a police chief could make it more challenging for authorities to track him down, as he is familiar with their tactics and procedures.
Officials believe that Hardin is still in the Stone County region, located East of the Ozark Mountains. There are concerns that he may seek refuge in unmanned cabins and sheds in wooded areas. The ADC Communications Director, Rand Champion, stated that authorities have established a perimeter around the area and are fairly confident in the route Hardin took during his escape.
Hardin was sentenced to 30 years for murder and additional time for rape. He pleaded guilty to the 2017 murder of James Appleton, a city water employee, and was later linked through DNA to a rape cold case from 1997. The former police chief’s escape occurred shortly after a mass jailbreak in New Orleans, where 10 prisoners escaped from a correctional facility.
Hardin is described as a 6 ft. white male, weighing approximately 259 pounds. The public is urged to report any sightings or information to the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Authorities warn that Hardin is considered a dangerous individual and may pose a risk to the community while on the run.
As the search for Grant Hardin continues, the FBI and law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to ensure his swift apprehension and return to custody. The public’s cooperation and vigilance are crucial in bringing this fugitive to justice.
