An investigation into the escape of Grant Matthew Hardin from the Department of Corrections’ North Central Unit at Calico Rock Sunday afternoon has determined he was let out by a corrections officer. A warrant for Hardin’s arrest was issued Tuesday.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Hardin “impersonated a corrections officer in dress and manner causing the corrections officer operating a secure gate to open the gate and allow inmate Hardin to walk away from the North Central Unit.”
There is no information given in the affidavit as to where Hardin got the corrections officer uniform.
The affidavit was prepared by a special agent of the Izard County Sheriff’s Office who also is a member of the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force. The agent is a former member of the Arkansas State Police.
Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2017 for murder and rape out of Benton County. He was the former police chief for the city of Gateway and has a background in law enforcement.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections said on their Facebook page “As of Tuesday morning, May 27, inmate Grant Hardin remains at large. An active search remains in effect involving a number of law enforcement agencies from across the state. At this time there are no additional updates.”
Hardin is considered dangerous. Anyone who sees him is asked not to approach him, but to call 911.
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