Fear is spreading across Arkansas as a former small-town police chief convicted of violent crimes vanishes from a state prison and remains at large more than a week later.

Authorities are urgently searching for 56-year-old Grant Hardin, who escaped from a Calico Rock prison on May 25 while serving time for murder and rape, prompting a multi-agency manhunt and a $20,000 reward from the FBI for information leading to his capture, as Fox News reports.

The dramatic escape unfolded during the afternoon hours at the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, a medium-security prison overseen by the Arkansas Department of Corrections. According to officials, the correctional facility discovered Hardin’s disappearance within 30 minutes of his breakout.

Hardin, a former police chief for the small town of Gateway, slipped through a prison sally port while dressed in what appeared to be an Arkansas Department of Corrections uniform. However, officials later clarified that the prison-issued clothing he wore was not an authentic ADC uniform.

He had been serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder in the 2017 killing of 59-year-old James Appleton, who was found fatally shot inside his work vehicle. The case shocked the Northwest Arkansas community, where Hardin once held public trust as a law enforcement officer.

Convicted rapist, killer on run

In addition to his murder conviction, Hardin was found guilty in 2019 of a cold-case rape from 1997 after DNA evidence matched him to the crime. The case involved a local teacher and had gone unsolved for over two decades before the DNA match unraveled another facet of his violent criminal history.

Law enforcement officials now caution the public that Hardin is a serious threat. He is described as a 6-foot-tall white male, weighing about 259 pounds, and is expected to be familiar with evasion tactics due to his law enforcement background. "He knows how they do it," said former FBI agent Rob D'Amico, emphasizing how Hardin’s past as a police chief may give him an edge in avoiding capture. "He knows what they look for, he knows how they follow leads."

Authorities focus on Ozark reagion

The Arkansas State Police, FBI, U.S. Marshals, and Department of Corrections are coordinating a massive search effort focused on rural areas east of the Ozark Mountains. Their intelligence suggests Hardin remains close to the Stone County region, where he may be hiding in isolated structures like vacant cabins and sheds.

Investigators are narrowing in with growing confidence. “Based on the information that we have and the experience of our teams, they feel fairly confident that he is still fairly close to this region,” said Arkansas Department of Corrections spokesperson Rand Champion. "As of this time, they are still very confident that he is in the area," Champion stated, though he warned that the situation could change quickly if Hardin secures transportation capable of taking him farther out of reach.

Danger to public remains high

Authorities are urging residents and travelers in the area to remain cautious and report any sightings of Hardin by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Officials have expressed concern that he may commit additional crimes while attempting to stay hidden. “Grant Hardin should be considered dangerous,” Champion warned. “There is a real risk that he could harm others as he continues to evade arrest.”

Hardin is believed to have connections in multiple Arkansas communities, including Garfield, Eureka Springs, Holiday Island, and Huntsville. These locations are under careful surveillance in case he turns to familiar territories for shelter or help.

Local fears spike amid jailbreaks

This prison break comes just days after a separate escape event in Louisiana, where 10 inmates fled a facility in New Orleans. Eight were recaptured quickly, but two remained at large at the same time Hardin vanished, compounding public anxiety about prison security protocols.

Hardin’s escape has raised troubling questions about how a convicted killer and rapist could manage to breach prison security unnoticed for nearly half an hour inside a state correctional institution.

The Arkansas Department of Corrections has pledged to investigate how Hardin acquired the uniform used in the escape and whether any procedural failures contributed to his breakout.

Lessons to learn

1. Even trusted leaders can commit crimes: Hardin’s case reminds us that perpetrators can come from any profession, even ones sworn to protect us. We should remain vigilant and pay attention to warning signs, regardless of a person’s social standing.

2. Be cautious in rural and wooded areas during manhunts: Law enforcement believes Hardin may be hiding in the woods near cabins and sheds. Anyone accessing remote property should prioritize safety and notify officials of unusual activity.

3. Always report suspicious behavior promptly: Many successful captures result from tips from observant citizens. If you spot someone who appears out of place, especially in areas where Hardin has known connections, report it. That said, it's important to remember that crime can happen to anyone — no victim should ever be blamed for the actions of a criminal.

Why this story matters

This ongoing case is critical for communities in Arkansas and beyond because it involves a former law enforcement officer who violated the trust of public. It underscores the importance of accountability, proper prison security, and thorough monitoring after convictions.

It also serves as a warning about the potential danger posed when violent offenders escape custody. Public safety must remain a top priority as the search continues.

Finally, the story brings much-needed attention to cold-case investigations, particularly the importance of DNA evidence in finally bringing justice to long-ignored victims.