Convicted Murderer Escapes North Central Arkansas Prison

Arkansas authorities are continuing their search for escaped inmate Grant Hardin, who fled the North Central Unit in Calico Rock on Sunday, May 25, around 3:40 PM.

Hardin, a former police chief of Gateway, had been serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder and an additional sentence for rape. He had been incarcerated at the facility since 2017. Officials say he escaped while wearing a makeshift outfit resembling a law enforcement uniform. He was not dressed in a Department of Corrections-issued uniform, and all DOC equipment remains accounted for.

By Sunday night at 11:30 PM, the search was still ongoing. The operation involves multiple agencies, including the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Division of Community Correction, Arkansas State Police, and various local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.

Investigators are also working to determine how Hardin managed to execute his escape and whether any assistance was involved. Authorities are using a range of resources to track him down.

Hardin is considered dangerous. Anyone who sees him or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.

Updates will be provided as the investigation continues.