Escaped 'Devil in the Ozarks' likely fled Arkansas: Authorities

Authorities think the so-called the “Devil in the Ozarks, ” a former police chief convicted on murder and rape charges, has fled the state of Arkansas after escaping prison last month. 

Investigators believe Grant Hardin, the ex-police chief in the town of Gateway, Ark. fled Calico Rock prison in Izard County, Ark., in May. U.S. Marshals noted two sightings of Hardin, one in southern Missouri and the other in central Arkansas. 

“Based on this information, investigators believe Hardin has fled the state of Arkansas to avoid recapture. He has extensive knowledge of the Ozark Mountain region, where he is believed to be possibly hiding in caves or rugged terrain that he is familiar with,” the Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert J. Hammons said in a criminal complaint that was made public on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press (AP). 

Authorities are charging Hardin with unlawful flight to evade incarceration or prosecution, according to The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, which first reported on the complaint. 

Hardin escaped the prison by sporting an outfit that resembled a uniform of a law enforcement officer, according to authorities. He was in a maximum-security wing of the jail, according to AP. 

The Izard County Sheriff’s Office said it is “actively” involved in the search for Hardin, including “through coordinated roadblocks and other efforts.” 

“We understand that some members of the public have expressed frustration regarding the inconvenience caused by this,” Izard County Sheriff Charley Melton said in a Thursday post on Facebook. “I want to assure you that the efforts of myself and the dedicated staff of the Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies, are not intended to disrupt your daily life.” 

The U.S. Marshals Service released a photo of Hardin last week. The FBI is offering up to $20,000 for information that would lead to Hardin’s arrest.