Survivalist Warnings Amid Prison Escapee Search in Arkansas: A former police chief in Arkansas, Grant Hardin, is now on the run after escaping a medium-security prison on May 25. Known as the ‘Devil in the Ozarks,’ Hardin has a history of violent crimes, including murder and rape, for which he received decades in prison.
Survivalist Advises Hikers to Avoid the Area: Survivalist Shawn Hendrix is issuing a warning for hikers and outdoorsmen to avoid the Ozarks area, where Hardin could be hiding. Hendrix, who has experience in the region, suggests that Hardin may be vulnerable to illness from contaminated water or food, which could hinder his survival in the wilderness.
Hardin’s Escape and Physical Description: Hardin escaped through a sally port, wearing a makeshift ADC-style uniform, and is described as a 6-foot White male, weighing approximately 259 pounds. Authorities are searching for evidence of a person living in the wilderness, such as burnt-out fires or materials that have been concealed. The FBI and U.S. Marshals are offering a combined reward of $25,000 for any information leading to his capture.
Wilderness Survival and Risks: Despite his physical size and knowledge of the region, Hendrix believes the escapee’s survival is unlikely due to natural challenges. Officials are divided on whether Hardin is still in Arkansas or may have ventured out of state, citing unconfirmed sightings in Missouri.
Escaped Convict’s Criminal History: Hardin pleaded guilty to fatally shooting a man in the face inside the victim’s work truck in 2017. His DNA was also linked to the 1997 cold-case rape of a teacher, for which he pleaded guilty in 2019. These convictions have painted a grim picture of his criminal past, including his role as a former police chief with a violent history.
Current Search Efforts and Uncertainty: Authorities are searching for concealed evidence of a person living in the woods, such as burnt-out fires or other materials that have been covered up, or an underground fire. While the FBI and U.S. Marshals are offering a reward, there is uncertainty about his exact location, with some federal officials suggesting he may have left Arkansas after two unconfirmed sightings, including one in Missouri on May 26.
Possible Movement Beyond State Borders: Based on two unconfirmed sightings, including one in Missouri on May 26, a day after Hardin escaped, federal officials believe he may have left Arkansas. However, this is not confirmed, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas has not yet provided an official statement on the matter.