Wearing a disguise and hiding just over a mile from prison, a former Arkansas police chief was taken back into custody nearly two weeks after escaping from prison.
According to BBC, Grant Hardin, a convicted rapist and murderer once trusted to uphold the law, was arrested June 6 after fleeing from prison on May 25 wearing a fake law enforcement outfit meant to conceal his identity.
Hardin, formerly police chief in the small town of Gateway, Arkansas, was serving two lengthy sentences—30 years for murder and another 50 years for rape. According to officials, he slipped out of custody on May 25, 2025, triggering an intensive two-week manhunt across the rugged landscape of Izard County.
Soon after his disappearance, law enforcement discovered he had disguised himself in a makeshift uniform intended to resemble that of an officer, perhaps to move around unnoticed. This revelation sent an alarm through nearby communities, prompting increased patrols and public alerts by local agencies. The search intensified as investigators combed the countryside near the facility. Armed with scent trails and surveillance data, officers reported their first major lead when tracking dogs picked up Hardin’s scent near Moccasin Creek, a remote area known for tricky terrain and winding cave systems.
The Elite Border Patrol Team Joins the Search
On June 5, one day before the escapee was found, a specialized tactical unit called Bortac was deployed from the southern border in Texas. The unit, known for its advanced search training, was brought in at the request of law enforcement due to the complexities of the terrain.
“Unique capabilities and training are well-suited for the demands of this critical mission,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez, commenting on Bortac’s deployment. The terrain surrounding the prison, located in the Ozarks, features natural barriers that have created difficulties in similar escape investigations in the past. Hardin was eventually discovered about 1.5 miles from the prison perimeter at roughly 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Officials say that although he was wearing another disguise when spotted, they positively confirmed his identity using fingerprint analysis.
Hardin’s Violent History and Criminal Past
Hardin’s record of violence has shocked residents across Arkansas. His crimes date back to the 1990s but only came to light years later following DNA advances and additional investigations. Before his escape, Hardin had been convicted of killing 59-year-old James Appleton, an employee of the Gateway water department. The murder occurred on February 23, 2017, while Appleton was speaking with then-Mayor Andrew Tillman.
Following that conviction, newly tested DNA evidence linked Hardin to a previously unsolved sexual assault from 1997. The rape, which occurred inside Frank Tillery Elementary School in Rogers, Arkansas, involved victim Amy Harrison. Hardin later pleaded guilty and was handed an additional 50-year sentence.
Former Officer Turned Violent Offender
Before becoming Gateway’s chief of police, Hardin was employed as an officer with the Eureka Springs Police Department. The transition from law enforcement to violent offender has stunned many in the departments where he once served.
As the suspect’s criminal history came to light over the years, media outlets began referring to him as the “Devil in the Ozarks”—a name that captured both the nature and shock of his crimes. With two felony convictions and a combined 80 years in sentencing, Hardin had been considered a high-risk inmate even before his escape. Community leaders and residents alike expressed relief after news of his recapture broke on Friday. According to the Izard County Sheriff's Office, the support from local agencies and federal partners was instrumental in returning Hardin to custody.
Officials Thank Agencies, Community for Support
“We sincerely appreciate the continued support of the community for all law enforcement and Department of Corrections personnel involved in this operation,” said the Izard County Sheriff's Office in a public statement following the arrest.
Meanwhile, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders shared praise for everyone involved. “Residents can breathe a sigh of relief,” she said. Sanders also acknowledged the efforts of federal teams and thanked the Department of Homeland Security for providing additional agents to assist in the search. With Hardin now back under control, officials say investigations will continue into how the escape occurred and whether procedures need reform. However, no additional suspects have been named in connection with the breakout.
Security Protocols Under Review After Escape
According to prison officials, the circumstances surrounding the escape will remain under review for the foreseeable future. The use of a fake police uniform has already prompted discussions about security gaps, particularly involving impersonation risks by inmates.
While details of how Hardin obtained or constructed the disguise have not yet been released, authorities caution that further announcements are likely following internal reviews. In the meantime, the focus remains on ensuring no additional safety threats are present in the region. The prison unit housing Hardin has not faced a breakout of this magnitude in recent memory. As that facility and others reevaluate policies, residents hope this marks the last time such a figure can walk free, even briefly.
