'Devil in the Ozarks' Escapes — Manhunt Explodes
Looking out into the Ozark forest from the Bluff Shelter at the Ozark Natural Science Center, 2013. Photo by Brandon Rush under CC0 1.0.
Convicted killer. Former police chief. Escaped fugitive. The man known as the "Devil in the Ozarks" is once again on the loose — and authorities believe he may have fled Arkansas entirely.
According to a court document, Grant Hardin, 56, vanished from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock on May 25 by impersonating a corrections officer "in dress and manner," reported by the Associated Press. He wore a uniform that wasn't regulation but was convincing enough to let him pass through a secure gate without resistance.
It reportedly took nearly two hours for his escape to be made public. By then, he had a head start — and possibly a plan.
A Dark Past Comes Back to Haunt
Hardin had been behind bars since 2017 for the murder of James Appleton, a city employee he once clashed with during his short stint as police chief of Gateway, Arkansas.
After his arrest, a DNA match linked him to the 1997 rape of an elementary school teacher. He later pleaded guilty to that crime and received an additional 50 years.
The chilling details of both cases were spotlighted in the 2023 HBO documentary "Devil in the Ozarks."
The Search Intensifies
Despite deploying helicopters, drones, and a Border Patrol tactical unit trained for extreme terrain, officials have found no sign of Hardin. Heavy rain has hampered efforts, and the FBI now believes he may be hiding in the Ozark wilderness or beyond.
Federal investigators cited two unconfirmed sightings — one in central Arkansas, the other in Missouri — but no leads have panned out. A court filing suggests authorities now believe he has fled the state.
Public Urged to Stay Alert
Hardin, described as 6 feet tall and possibly thinner than his 259-pound mug shot photo, remains dangerous. A $25,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture. Officials are urging anyone with tips to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip at FBI Tips.
He's no longer just a former cop or convicted felon — he's a ghost in the Ozarks, and no one knows where he'll show up next.
References: What we know about the escape of a former police chief and convicted killer in Arkansas | Convicted murderer known as "Devil in the Ozarks" has likely fled Arkansas after prison escape, marshals say | US Border Patrol tactical unit deployed to help manhunt for escaped Arkansas inmate
