CALICO ROCK, Ark. – A manhunt is underway after Grant Hardin, a convicted murderer and former police chief, escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock on Sunday, May 25, at approximately 2:55 p.m.
The escape time was updated from an earlier report of 3:40 p.m. following a review of surveillance footage. Hardin, ADC #168541, had been serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder and an additional sentence for rape. He has been incarcerated at the facility since 2017.
Authorities revealed that Hardin was not wearing a Department of Corrections uniform at the time of his escape. Instead, he had fashioned a makeshift outfit resembling law enforcement attire. All DOC-issued gear remains accounted for, and officials have confirmed that Hardin did not take any prison equipment with him.
The search is ongoing and involves a coordinated effort between the Arkansas Division of Correction, Division of Community Correction, Arkansas State Police, and multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies.
As of 11:30 p.m. Sunday, the inmate had not been located. Investigators continue to pursue leads and examine the circumstances surrounding his escape. Officials are urging the public to report any sightings or information to local law enforcement immediately.
Hardin, once the police chief of Gateway, has a background in law enforcement—raising additional public safety concerns as the manhunt continues.
Further updates are expected as the investigation develops.
