Former Arkansas Police Chief on the Run After Escape from Prison

The manhunt for former Gateway, Arkansas police chief Grant Hardin is intensifying following his escape from the North Central Unit prison on Sunday. Hardin, who has been incarcerated since 2017, was convicted of first-degree murder and linked to a decades-old rape case. Authorities have warned the public that he is armed and dangerous and has strong local ties. Efforts to capture him involve multiple law enforcement agencies, heightening concerns after he disguised himself in an outfit resembling law enforcement to flee.

Hardin, now 56, served as the police chief for just four months in 2016 and previously faced multiple allegations of misconduct, including falsifying a police report. His criminal history includes the murder of James Appleton in 2017, for which he received a 30-year sentence, and a subsequent 50-year sentence for the 1997 rape of Amy Harrison. The area remains on alert for his return, as police continue to collaborate on leads regarding his whereabouts.