A former police chief in Arkansas, Grant Hardin, has escaped from a Calico Rock prison while serving a lengthy sentence for serious crimes, including murder and rape. Authorities reported that Hardin, 56, disguised himself in a homemade law enforcement uniform, leading to heightened warnings and concerns among residents in the surrounding area.
The search for Hardin has mobilized multiple law enforcement agencies across Arkansas, following his escape, which has reignited painful memories for the families of his victims. Nathan Smith, the former Benton County Prosecuting Attorney who convicted Hardin, expressed shock that a former law officer could commit such heinous acts, highlighting the severity of his actions.
Hardin was originally arrested in February 2017 after the murder of James Appleton, a local city employee. Eyewitness accounts played a crucial role in connecting Hardin to the crime, as he was identified fleeing the scene after the fatal shooting. The shooting unfolded while Appleton was on a phone call with his brother-in-law, then-Gateway Mayor Andrew Tillman, illustrating the tragic circumstances surrounding the event.
Compounding his murder conviction, Hardin’s DNA was linked to a previously unsolved rape case from 1997 involving a school teacher named Amy Harrison. Following his 2017 conviction, a DNA sample taken from Hardin corroborated evidence collected from the assault, which took place in a Rogers elementary school.
Hardin pleaded guilty in both cases, receiving a sentence of 30 years for the murder and 50 years for the rapes. His escape has deeply affected the families involved, particularly the Appleton family, who are once again facing distress due to the renewed attention on Hardin’s crimes.
Community leaders, like Mayor Cheryl Tillman, noted the added pain his escape brings, reopening old wounds that seemed to have settled over the years. Local law enforcement remains committed to capturing Hardin and assuring the safety of residents in the area.
As the manhunt continues, there is hope that authorities will quickly apprehend Hardin, bringing closure and safety back to the community. It’s a reminder that vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement and the public can help in addressing such critical situations effectively.