Former Police Chief Escapes Prison: Manhunt in Ozark Mountains

Former Arkansas Police Chief Escapes Prison; Manhunt Underway in Ozark Mountains Calico Rock, AR – A massive manhunt is underway in the rugged Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas for Grant Hardin, a former police chief who escaped from the North Central Unit prison on May 25, 2025. Hardin was serving an 80-year sentence for murder and rape. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. The search has been hampered by severe weather. "The rain has made it hard for search dogs looking for a scent," stated a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections. The difficult terrain, described by one local as "wet, rocky ground covered by dense trees," is also posing significant challenges to investigators. 78-year-old Victor Stanley, a Calico Rock resident who worked as a guard at the prison for many years, expressed concern about Hardin's escape. "Yeah, it's a scary situation," Stanley said, adding that his home is only three miles from the prison. Authorities believe Hardin may be hiding in the extensive cave system throughout the Ozark Mountains. The investigation is also looking into whether Hardin's job in the prison kitchen played a role in his escape, but so far all leads have been unproductive. Despite the challenges, the search continues with hundreds of law enforcement officers and volunteers combing the area.