In a briefing Wednesday evening the Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC) shared updates on the ongoing search for escaped Calico Rock inmate, Grant Hardin.Rand Champion a spokesman for DOC stated the original search area has increased and that teams have had a difficult time navigating the wet and rugged terrain in Izard County and surrounding areas. Drones, aircraft, and specialized tracking dog teams have been brought into the area to aid in the search but the recent weather challenges have diminished the effectiveness of these techniques. Teams are still focusing heavily in the area around the prison at Calico Rock. Hundreds of local, state and federal officers are on the ground aiding in the search.
During the brief the topic of Hardin wearing a law enforcement uniform was raised. “Everything he was wearing is not a standard issue in this facility,” stated Champion, “being he was former law enforcement he tailored that to look like a law enforcement uniform.” No evidence has shown that he has shed the original outfit he was wearing although DOC is unsure at this time on what he may be wearing. The best estimate given was that it was less than 30 minutes before law enforcement realized he had escaped. The events leading to Hardin being let out of a secure gate is still under investigation. The investigation is focusing on how Hardin was not properly identified when he left and ensuring it doesn’t happen again.
The DOC is also in contact with authorities in Missouri due to the proximity with the neighboring state. They are cautioning that with the length of Hardin’s sentence that they consider him as “someone who has nothing to lose.” Champion cautioned local residents, “stay alert, stay aware, if anything seems out of place or off please let us know.”
Grant Hardin is 56 years old and is described as a 6 foot tall, 259 pound Caucasian male.
Hardin has been at the North Central Unit since 2017, serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder, as well as an additional sentence for rape. Hardin was the former police chief for the city of Gateway, with a background in law enforcement.
Anyone with information about Hardin’s whereabouts should contact local law enforcement immediately.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI