• Former police chief Grant Hardin, convicted of murder and rape, escaped from a high-security Arkansas prison wearing a fake law enforcement uniform, prompting a statewide manhunt.
• Hardin’s troubled law enforcement career included reports of excessive force, poor performance, and falsified reports, and he was convicted in 2017 for the point-blank murder of James Appleton.
• Authorities warn that Hardin, labeled extremely dangerous, may exploit his knowledge of police procedures as the manhunt continues.

The headlines write themselves: a former police chief, convicted of first-degree murder and rape, escapes from a high-security prison in Arkansas with a makeshift law enforcement uniform. Meet Grant Hardin, 56, a man whose past in law enforcement has taken a dark turn. Hardin slipped out of the Calico Rock North Central Unit on Sunday afternoon, sparking a statewide manhunt. Authorities labeled him extremely dangerous, warning locals to remain vigilant.

Hardin’s escape was as daring as it was calculated. Authorities released an image showing him wearing a fake police outfit while pushing a utility cart through a controlled gate. And here’s the kicker—none of the Department of Corrections-issued gear was missing, suggesting Hardin planned this with precision. As Rand Champion, spokesman for Arkansas’ Department of Corrections, put it: “He crafted his outfit to mimic law enforcement and exploited the system.”

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A Troubled Law Enforcement Career

Hardin’s checkered history as a law enforcement officer is no secret. Once the police chief of Gateway, AR, he held numerous positions in local law enforcement from the 1990s onward. However, his career was riddled with controversy. Reports of excessive force, poor performance, and even falsifying police reports followed him. He was fired multiple times, yet still managed to resurface in new roles—a reminder of how systemic gaps can enable problematic officers.

The Crime That Landed Him Behind Bars

Hardin’s downfall began in 2017 when he was arrested for murdering James Appleton, a water department employee. The details are chilling: Hardin pulled Appleton over in a pickup truck, and during the stop, shot him in the head at point-blank range with a shotgun. The case rocked the Gateway community, turning Hardin from public servant to convicted killer.

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What’s Next in the Manhunt?

The escape has left law enforcement scrambling. Will Hardin’s knowledge of police procedures give him an edge? And how will this manhunt unfold in the coming days? Stay tuned for updates as authorities close in on one of Arkansas’ most wanted.

Your Thoughts?

What are your predictions for the case? Share your thoughts and follow The Dupree Report on WhatsApp for the latest updates!

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