The manhunt for escaped murderer and former police chief Grant Hardin, infamously known as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” has intensified as Arkansas authorities release a new photo rendering showing how he may appear with facial hair after more than a week on the run. State lawmakers are now planning to review the security failures that enabled Hardin’s escape. Is Hardin using his law enforcement background to evade capture?
Dangerous Fugitive with Law Enforcement Background
Grant Hardin, a 6-foot-tall, 259-pound White male with a dangerous criminal history, has now been on the run for over a week after escaping from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas. His escape was detected within 30 minutes, but Hardin’s background as a former police chief has given him an edge in evading the massive search operation currently underway in north-central Arkansas.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) has released an updated photo showing Hardin with facial hair, reflecting how he might appear now after his May 25 escape. “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,” the ADC stated in their ongoing efforts to recapture the fugitive who authorities have described as “a very dangerous individual.”
Updated mugshot released of Grant Hardin who escaped an Arkansas prison last Sunday. More than a week later and still no credible leads on the ex-police chief turned convicted rapist and murderer pic.twitter.com/WaSNUeamk1
— Brooke Taylor (@Brooketaylortv) June 3, 2025
Escape Details and Ongoing Manhunt
Hardin’s escape has raised serious questions about prison security, as he was reportedly wearing an outfit resembling a law enforcement uniform when he fled the facility. Investigators are currently examining whether his kitchen job at the prison may have facilitated his escape, with authorities focusing their search efforts in north-central Arkansas, where they believe he remains.
The FBI and U.S. Marshals have offered a substantial $25,000 reward for information leading to Hardin’s capture, underscoring the urgency of apprehending the dangerous criminal. Hardin has connections to several Arkansas communities, including Garfield, Eureka Springs, Holiday Island, and Huntsville, which officials fear could be providing him with potential hideout locations or resources to continue evading capture.
He was once the town's police chief. Now, convicted murderer Grant Hardin is on the run after escaping the prison where he was serving decades behind bars, @Brooketaylortv reports. pic.twitter.com/vdG12KqA1k
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 31, 2025
Legislative Concerns and Security Protocol Review
State lawmakers have expressed serious concerns about how Hardin, who was serving sentences for murder and rape, was able to escape from the Calico Rock facility. Republican Rep. Howard Beaty and Sen. Matt McKee highlighted the security failures in a pointed 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.”
Questions have been raised specifically about why a maximum-security inmate like Hardin was housed at what is primarily a medium-security prison, despite his violent criminal history. The escape has prompted state legislators to announce plans for a comprehensive review of the security protocols, particularly focusing on how Hardin’s law enforcement background may have contributed to his ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities within the prison system.
The ADC continues to provide updates as the manhunt progresses, stating: “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.” Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings immediately, as authorities work to recapture the dangerous fugitive who has been featured in a television documentary as the “Devil in the Ozarks.”