Arkansas authorities are in a race against time to track down Grant Hardin, a former police chief of Gateway who escaped from prison on Sunday. The escaped convict is currently on the run, with a manhunt in full swing across the state as law enforcement scrambles to locate him. Hardin, 56, was serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder and an additional sentence for rape when he broke free from the North Central Unit, located in Calico Rock, AR.
His escape has set off a nationwide concern, with law enforcement officials urging the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of the fugitive. As of now, authorities have not yet announced any leads on his whereabouts, but they are working closely with local communities to gather information.
Hardin’s DNA was submitted into a national database during his booking process at the state prison, where it eventually linked him to a 1993 cold case. The case involved a teacher, Amy Harrison, who was raped at Frank Tillery Elementary in Rogers, AR, by an unknown assailant. The case had gone unsolved for nearly 20 years until his DNA was matched with the evidence from the crime scene, leading to his eventual capture and conviction in 2019.
The tragic incident that led to his conviction for murder occurred in 2017, when he was found guilty of the shooting death of James Appleton, a city water employee. The victim was discovered shot in the face inside his work truck, with a crime that shocked the community and brought attention to the issue of criminal justice.
In the wake of this tragic incident, the authorities have emphasized the dangers posed by individuals like Hardin. His conviction for the murder was based on scientific evidence that linked him to the crime. Meanwhile, his rape conviction came after a long and arduous investigation that finally resulted in a conviction in 2019.
Despite the grave nature of his crimes, Hardin’s escape has once again placed the spotlight on the safety and security of the state’s prisons. Law enforcement officials have reiterated that they are committed to finding him and bringing him to justice. The case has also sparked discussions about the need for stricter prison security and better oversight to prevent such breaches in the future.
The public is being urged to stay alert and report anything suspicious. In a statement, law enforcement officials have appealed to the citizens of Arkansas to help in the search for the fugitive. As the manhunt continues, all eyes are on the authorities as they work tirelessly to bring this dangerous individual to justice.