Former Police Chief Escapes from Arkansas Prison While Serving Sentences for Murder and Rape
Convicted Ex-Police Chief Escapes Arkansas Prison
A serious breach of security unfolded on Sunday when Grant Hardin, a former police chief with a dark past, escaped from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas. Known for his role as the ex-chief of Gateway, Arkansas, Hardin was serving a 30-year sentence. The escape occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m., as confirmed by the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
The situation has left many in shock, especially those familiar with Hardin’s chilling criminal record. Back in October 2017, he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the shooting of James Appleton, a 59-year-old employee of the Gateway water department. Appleton was tragically shot in the head while speaking with his brother-in-law near Garfield. Authorities later discovered Appleton’s body inside a car.
But that’s not where Hardin’s crimes end. In addition to the murder charge, he’s also serving time for a heinous crime committed much earlier. In 1997, he raped an elementary school teacher in Rogers, north of Fayetteville. This case took years to crack due to its cold status until DNA evidence came into play. A report by KFSM in 2019 detailed how investigators used DNA samples from the victim’s clothing to file a “John Doe” warrant just as the statute of limitations neared expiration. It was only after Hardin was jailed for Appleton’s murder that they found a match.
The combination of these grim details has understandably shaken the small community of Gateway, where residents are grappling with the reality that their former law enforcement leader is now on the run. The incident also poses uncomfortable questions about prison security and how such an escape could happen under what should be vigilant watch.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections is urging anyone with information regarding Hardin’s whereabouts to contact local law enforcement immediately. It’s a tense time for those who remember Hardin not just as an authority figure but also as a neighbor-though one whose actions have now left an indelible mark on their community.
This escape highlights not only a failure within correctional systems but also brings back haunting memories for those directly impacted by his crimes. As authorities continue their search, many are left hoping for a swift resolution and reflecting on how justice can sometimes take unexpected turns.
