A former police chief turned convicted murderer, known as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” has been apprehended following an extensive manhunt that lasted almost two weeks in the rugged terrains of northern Arkansas. Grant Hardin, who had been serving time for murder and rape since 2017, was captured 2.4 kilometres from the prison from which he escaped. Hardin briefly attempted to flee but was subdued by officers as he reportedly lacked energy after his prolonged evasion.
His identity was confirmed through fingerprinting, with health checks forthcoming to assess potential dehydration but no physical injuries reported. Investigators are eager to interact with Hardin, who remained silent during his capture.
Hardin’s escape on May 25 involved impersonating a corrections officer, which allowed him to access a secure exit gate facilitated by a negligent prison staff member. This lapse in identity verification has prompted an internal investigation. Following his escape, search efforts included tracking dogs, aerial drones, and helicopters, with adverse weather conditions thwarting early tracking attempts.
The search intensified with the involvement of a highly trained U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Team, which is skilled in navigating challenging environments. Their efforts eventually led to Hardin being found face down and shirtless, covered in mud, before being handed over to Arkansas law enforcement.
Hardin’s criminal history is substantial, having pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for shooting 59-year-old James Appleton in February 2017, for which he received a 30-year sentence. Additionally, he was linked through DNA to a 1997 rape case, resulting in a further 50-year sentence. The news of his capture brought relief to the victim’s family, particularly Cheryl Tillman, Apple’s sister and the mayor of Gateway, expressing gratitude for the police response and a restored sense of safety.
Hardin’s tenure as a police chief in Gateway was brief, spanning only four months, as his law enforcement career was marked by troubling incidents, including allegations of excessive force that led to his resignation from multiple departments.
Overall, the capture has closed a chapter in a disturbing narrative that has drawn media attention, including a televised documentary titled Devil in the Ozarks, aimed at chronicling Hardin’s life and crimes.