Escaped ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ Grant Hardin on the Run, Survivalist Urges Hikers to Stay Away
Survivalist Shawn Hendrix has issued a stark warning for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Arkansas Ozarks, urging them to stay clear of the area due to the ongoing search for Grant Hardin, a former police chief who escaped from prison. Hardin, described as the ‘Devil in the Ozarks,’ was serving decades in prison for violent crimes including murder and rape. His recent escape has intensified the search efforts and heightened concerns among authorities and survival experts.
Hardin, 56, escaped from a medium-security prison in Calico Rock on May 25, according to the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC). His escape has brought attention to the challenges of tracking a fugitive with a history of violence and law enforcement experience. Survivalist Shawn Hendrix emphasized the potential dangers of the Ozarks region, noting the natural resources and rugged terrain that could aid Hardin’s evasion. ‘I think the big thing that gets him caught or dead in the field is getting injured… or a foodborne illness,’ Hendrix told Fox News Digital. He warned that if Hardin succumbs to illness, it could help in his capture, but otherwise, the risk remains high for anyone venturing into the area.
Hendrix’s concerns are echoed by Arkansas officials, who have issued warnings that Hardin may be armed and dangerous. His extensive knowledge of the Ozark Mountains, where he previously served as a police chief, has made it difficult to track his movements. The FBI and U.S. Marshals are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to Hardin’s capture, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The search has also sparked discussions about the potential risks to outdoor enthusiasts, with experts emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and caution in the region.
In addition to the immediate threat from Hardin’s escape, there are ongoing investigations into his past crimes, including his conviction for the 2017 fatal shooting of a man and his link to a 1997 cold-case rape of a teacher. These crimes, which have shaped his criminal history, add to the complexity of the current manhunt. While the focus remains on locating Hardin, the situation also raises broader questions about the safety of outdoor environments and the challenges of tracking high-profile fugitives in rugged terrains.