Grant Hardin, a former police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, has escaped from the North Central Unit prison where he was serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape. Authorities confirmed that Hardin, 56, escaped around 2:55 p.m. on May 25, disguising himself in a makeshift law enforcement uniform. His escape was discovered shortly after, leaving officials scrambling to locate him. Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections, noted that rain had hindered search efforts but hoped for improved conditions.
Hardin was sentenced in Benton County to 30 years for murdering James Appleton in 2017 and an additional 25 years in 2019 for rape linked to a 1997 case. Appleton was shot in his truck, an incident witnessed by bystanders. Hardin’s law enforcement background raises serious community concerns, and officials have deemed him “extremely dangerous.” The police are employing K-9 units and collaborating with multiple agencies to track him down.
In a separate but related story, Sterling Williams, an employee at a New Orleans jail, was arrested for aiding the escape of 10 inmates, including those charged with serious offenses. As this dramatic event unfolded, approximately seven individuals have been arrested for their involvement in the jailbreak.
Hardin’s escape adds to a string of recent high-profile prison breaks across the nation, prompting calls for accountability among those who facilitate such incidents. Both cases highlight ongoing concerns regarding prison security and the potential dangers posed by escaped inmates. The Arkansas Department of Corrections continues to investigate how Hardin managed to flee the facility while ensuring the safety of the community remains a priority.
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