Authorities in Arkansas continue their search for convicted killer Grant Hardin, who escaped from a prison in Calico Rock after receiving a 30-year sentence for murder. The hunt, which is now in its sixth day, employs specialized bloodhounds trained to track scents and locate fugitives.
A bloodhound, living at the prison as part of a specialized unit, initially picked up Hardin’s scent shortly after his escape. The dog’s incredible sense of smell, due to the presence of over 300 million scent receptors, enables it to detect trails even days later. However, heavy rain complicated the search, causing the dog to lose the scent after less than a quarter-mile.
Hardin, known as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” is a former police chief who has a complicated past, including being linked to a 1997 rape case. His escape raises concerns, particularly regarding the verification process that allowed him to leave, which officials describe as a significant oversight.
In the ongoing search, authorities have set up checkpoints and utilized bloodhounds in hopes of picking up a fresh trail. Despite a tipped sighting in southern Missouri being ruled out, officials believe Hardin may still be in the vicinity. There’s hope that by familiarizing the bloodhounds with items he left behind, search teams can effectively track him down.
The use of bloodhounds in such searches not only aids in locating fugitives but has been credited with saving lives in previous cases. Just weeks before Hardin’s escape, a young bloodhound named Millie found a missing five-year-old girl with autism in Maine, demonstrating the capabilities and significance of these dogs in search-and-rescue operations.
The situation serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down escaped criminals while showcasing the invaluable contribution of trained bloodhounds. Their ability to follow scents, especially under difficult circumstances, remains a critical tool in ensuring public safety.