A manhunt is ongoing in Arkansas following the prison escape of Grant Hardin, a 56-year-old former police chief convicted of murder and rape. Hardin fled the North Central Unit in Calico Rock on Sunday, May 25, 2025, disguised in a makeshift law enforcement uniform. Serving an 80-year sentence for the 2017 murder of James Appleton and a 1997 rape case, Hardin was discovered missing from his cell around 3:40 p.m. Prison and law enforcement officials have labeled him “extremely dangerous” and are coordinating a multi-agency search, urging the public to avoid contact and report any sightings immediately.
Details of the Escape
Grant Hardin managed to escape the North Central Unit in Calico Rock under the cover of a handmade law enforcement uniform, a tactic that initially delayed recognition by prison staff. The discovery of his absence at approximately 3:40 p.m. on Sunday triggered immediate lockdown protocols and the activation of an intensive search operation. Surveillance footage and initial investigations suggest that Hardin exploited security weaknesses, although the exact method of escape remains under investigation by prison authorities and state law enforcement officials.
Background on Grant Hardin
Hardin, 56, is serving a combined 80-year sentence for multiple serious offenses. He was convicted in 2017 for the murder of James Appleton, a case that drew significant media attention in Arkansas due to the brutality involved and Hardin’s previous role in law enforcement. Additionally, Hardin was linked to a 1997 rape case, further solidifying his status as a violent offender within the criminal justice system. His former position as a police chief has complicated public perception and intensified scrutiny of his escape.
Response and Public Safety Measures
Authorities have categorized Hardin as “extremely dangerous” and advise the public to exercise caution. Law enforcement agencies across Arkansas have coordinated efforts to locate and apprehend Hardin, deploying search teams, setting up roadblocks, and canvassing areas surrounding the prison and elsewhere. The Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas Department of Correction are leading these efforts, with support from local police departments and federal agencies.
The public is urged to:
- Avoid any direct confrontation with the fugitive.
- Immediately report any sightings or relevant information to local law enforcement or the designated hotline.
- Remain vigilant and notify neighbors or community groups of the ongoing threat.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Review
An internal review is underway to assess how Hardin was able to procure or create a convincing law enforcement disguise and bypass prison security measures. Officials have pledged transparency and swift action to address any identified deficiencies. The Arkansas Department of Correction has promised forthcoming updates as the investigation progresses and has emphasized the priority of public safety throughout this incident.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The escape has heightened concerns among Arkansas residents and criminal justice advocates regarding prison security and the handling of high-risk inmates. Lawmakers have called for emergency sessions to evaluate policies related to inmate monitoring and staff protocols. Meanwhile, authorities continue their search and have encouraged community cooperation in bringing this dangerous fugitive back into custody.
Conclusion
The escape of Grant Hardin, a convicted murderer and rapist, from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock has prompted a comprehensive and ongoing manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Authorities continue to emphasize Hardin’s dangerousness and the critical importance of public vigilance and cooperation in the search efforts. An internal investigation into the security breach is underway to prevent future incidents, while community concerns have sparked discussions on prison safety reforms. As the situation develops, officials remain committed to transparency and public safety, urging citizens to report any information that could assist in recapturing Hardin and restoring security.