Ex-Police Chief, Serving Long Sentences, Escapes Arkansas Prison
In a surprising turn of events, an Arkansas prison witnessed the escape of a former police chief who was serving extensive sentences for serious crimes. Grant Hardin, once the police chief of Gateway, managed to leave the North Central Unit in Calico Rock without detection, according to state corrections officials.
Hardin, imprisoned since 2017, was convicted of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of James Appleton, a 59-year-old employee of the Gateway water department. The incident occurred on February 23, 2017, near Garfield, as Appleton conversed with his brother-in-law, then-Mayor Andrew Tillman. Hardin’s escape has prompted a collaborative search effort involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Hardin’s criminal record is not limited to this murder charge. He is also serving a 50-year sentence for the 1997 rape of an elementary school teacher in Rogers, a town located north of Fayetteville. His tenure as Gateway’s police chief was brief, lasting only about four months in early 2016.
In an effort to apprehend Hardin, the Division of Correction, along with the Division of Community Correction, are actively pursuing leads. The details surrounding his escape remain unclear, with corrections officials yet to disclose specifics.
Interestingly, Hardin’s connection to the 1997 rape case was established years later through advancements in DNA technology. As the statute of limitations approached, police applied for a John Doe Warrant in 2003 using DNA samples from the crime scene. A match was finally made when Hardin’s DNA profile, obtained during his imprisonment for Appleton’s murder, corresponded with the samples.
This undated photo provided by the Arkansas Department of Corrections Communications Department shows inmate Grant Hardin. AP/Arkansas Department of Corrections
The public and relevant authorities remain on high alert as the search for Hardin continues. The case underscores the ongoing challenges in securing correctional facilities and the importance of cross-agency cooperation in apprehending fugitives.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
