The manhunt for Grant Hardin has intensified as Arkansas officials released a new photo showing him with facial hair. Authorities believe Hardin remains in north-central Arkansas and may be utilizing his law enforcement background to evade capture, prompting state legislators to question the security protocols that allowed his escape. Could someone be helping Hardin despite his violent criminal history?
Dangerous Fugitive Eludes Capture
The Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) has released an updated photo of escaped inmate Grant Hardin showing him with facial hair as the manhunt enters its second week. The former police chief escaped from the North Central Unit, a medium-security prison in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on May 25, and was noticed missing within 30 minutes of his departure.
Hardin, who was serving time for the 2017 murder of James Appleton and a 1997 rape case linked by DNA evidence, escaped wearing what appeared to be an ADC-style uniform. “The search for escaped inmate Grant Hardin is ongoing as teams continue to focus their efforts in the north central Arkansas region while investigating tips as they are received,” stated the ADC in their latest update.
With over a week passing since Grant Hardin escaped, we are releasing an updated wanted poster with the updated headshot which could reflect how he might look today.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at https://t.co/gYUq8Tabym. pic.twitter.com/rxvHOI1uSR— Arkansas Department of Corrections (@ADCPIO) June 4, 2025
Intensified Search Efforts
Federal authorities have joined state and local law enforcement in the manhunt, offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to Hardin’s capture. The 6-foot, 259-pound White male has connections to several Arkansas communities including Garfield, Eureka Springs, Holiday Island, and Huntsville, which has authorities focusing their search efforts in these areas.
Authorities believe they have a good understanding of Hardin’s escape route and current location, though no confirmed sightings have been reported. “With over a week passing since Hardin escaped the North Central Unit, we are releasing a possible updated headshot which could reflect how he might look today,” the ADC explained, emphasizing that the fugitive is considered “a very dangerous individual.”
The devil in the Ozarks. Yes it’s a real documentary on ID channel about Grant Hardin, who is now one of the most wanted in America.
He was serving 80 years for 1997 rape and 2017 murder. He literally walked out of the prison in northeast Arkansas wearing a fake police… pic.twitter.com/WbnwUa90WM
— USMC Lady Vet 🇺🇸 (@Arkypatriot) May 31, 2025
Security Failures Under Investigation
State legislators have raised serious concerns about the security protocols that allowed a high-risk inmate with law enforcement training to escape. Republican Rep. Howard Beaty and Sen. Matt McKee specifically questioned why Hardin was housed at the Calico Rock facility despite his violent criminal history and professional background.
In a joint statement, the lawmakers wrote: “Given Hardin’s background as a former law enforcement officer and his history of working for multiple law enforcement agencies, it is evident that he possesses knowledge and skills that enabled him to exploit weaknesses in our security protocols. His manipulation of the system by wearing a disguise resembling a uniform is disturbing and speaks to a broader system failure.”
Investigations are currently underway to determine whether Hardin’s kitchen job provided opportunities that facilitated his escape. The timing of Hardin’s escape, which occurred shortly after 10 prisoners escaped from a New Orleans facility, has further heightened concerns about prison security nationwide, prompting a comprehensive review of current procedures at the North Central Unit.