Warning for Hikers in Arkansas Regarding Escaped Inmate
Survivalists are currently advising hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Ozarks area of Arkansas to steer clear. This advice follows the escape of former Gateway Police Station Chief Grant Hardin from a medium-security prison in Calico Rock on May 25th.
Hardin, who has been infamously dubbed “The Devil of the Ozarks,” has a long history of violent crime, having been sentenced for murder and rape.
One local, Sean Hendrix, expressed his concerns about Hardin’s potential dangers, suggesting that he might either succumb to injuries or food poisoning in the wild. “If he drinks bad water, that could take him out. But my main worry is for hikers or campers out there,” he said.
Hendrix noted that Hardin might see anyone in the area as a target given his past disregard for human life. “I’ll definitely avoid going there,” he added.
Authorities mention that Hardin escaped while wearing a makeshift uniform that was not official, according to ADC Communications Director Land Champion. The escape occurred through a location called Surrey Port.
Hardin’s criminal history includes pleading guilty to a murder case in 2017, where he shot a man in his work truck. This action led to DNA evidence linking him to a cold case from 1997, resulting in another guilty plea in 2019.
Hendrix describes Hardin as a sociopath with an extensive background in law enforcement, which adds to his unpredictability. “He doesn’t care about anyone but himself,” he remarked, noting the challenges of searching for him.
Hardin is described as a 6-foot white male weighing about 259 pounds. Hendrix shared insights on how Hardin might survive in the Ozark woods, highlighting the area’s abundance of natural resources such as berries and fish. “There are plenty of food sources out there,” he explained, although he questioned whether Hardin would use firearms for hunting.
Police emphasized the importance of looking for signs of human activity in the forests, such as hidden fire pits or other evidence of habitation.
The FBI and US Marshals are currently offering a combined reward of $25,000 for information leading to Hardin’s capture. They encourage anyone who may have seen him to contact them through the FBI’s tip line.
While officials initially believed Hardin was still in the Ozarks, two unconfirmed sightings suggest he may have already left the state. This development has led to uncertainty about his current whereabouts.
According to the federal complaint, Hardin’s familiarity with the rugged terrain of the Ozarks gives him a significant advantage in evading capture. Local law enforcement is continuing their search, hopeful for new leads in the case.
