News Summary
Grant Hardin, the former police chief known as the ‘Devil in the Ozarks,’ executed an intricate escape from Calico Rock prison. Over months, he planned his getaway by exploiting lax security, even creating a convincing police uniform from kitchen supplies. His attempt was short-lived, as he was recaptured just days later, leading to systemic reviews within the correctional system. The incident prompted new security measures and raised questions regarding the misclassification of inmates.
Former Police Chief’s Daring Escape Shakes Up Prison System
In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Grant Hardin, the former police chief infamously tagged the “Devil in the Ozarks,” executed an elaborate prison escape from Calico Rock on May 25, 2025. It appears Hardin had been plotting his getaway for a solid six months, showing that even behind bars, he was not to be underestimated.
How He Pulled It Off
Hardin was working in the prison kitchen—an area he described as having lax security. This situation provided him the perfect opportunity to gather supplies he needed for his escape. Among his crafty solutions, he used black Sharpie markers and laundry from the kitchen to create a convincing fake law enforcement uniform. To top it off, he crafted a badge using nothing but a can lid.
You won’t believe this, but Hardin cleverly stashed his escape gear, including the uniform, in a trash can located in the kitchen, tricking himself into believing it wouldn’t be checked. On June 6, he was caught just 1.5 miles from the prison near Moccasin Creek, a location he had hoped would offer him freedom.
How He Got Out
The escape plan itself was audacious. Hardin managed to manipulate a guard into opening the back gate for him, all without having to prove his identity. Talk about a lapse in judgement! Following this escapade, two prison employees were promptly fired for their procedural violations, which included allowing him unsupervised access to the back dock and unlocking the gate for him. Several other employees were either suspended or demoted, further underlining the chaos fueled by Hardin’s actions.
Survival Tactics
After escaping, Hardin had an improvised survival strategy. He relied on food he had smuggled out, along with distilled water from his CPAP machine. Additionally, he made use of creek water, scavenged berries, bird eggs, and even ants to make it through. His initial plan was to camp out in the woods for six months before heading west, looking for a clean slate.
The Aftermath
But reality sunk in fast when he was recaptured shortly afterward and has since been moved to a maximum-security prison. Hardin is serving sentences for serious charges, including murder and rape. Interestingly, he was misclassified and ended up in a medium-security facility, a mistake that has sparked a thorough review of his case and has left many scratching their heads.
Review Findings and Future Implications
The internal assessment revealed that the custody classification of Hardin had not been updated since October 2019, raising eyebrows across the correctional system. As a response to this embarrassing incident, the Department of Corrections has initiated new security measures. Some changes include removing electric locks from gates and installing extra surveillance cameras.
Further confusion during the escape was noted, especially regarding notifications to law enforcement that should have occurred but didn’t. The investigations are ongoing, and legislative hearings are being held to discuss the broader systemic issues that led to this high-profile escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Grant Hardin escape from prison?
He escaped by manipulating a guard into opening a back gate and had been gathering supplies for six months while working in the prison kitchen.
What charges was Grant Hardin facing?
Hardin was serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape.
What has the Department of Corrections done in response to this escape?
They have implemented new security measures, including removing electric locks on gates and adding more surveillance cameras.
Key Features of the Escape
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Escape Date | May 25, 2025 |
| Capture Date | June 6, 2025 |
| Method of Escape | Manipulated guard, created fake uniform |
| Survival Tactics | Smuggled food, creek water, berries, bird eggs |
| Current Status | Moved to maximum-security prison |
| Charges | Murder and rape |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- MSN: Arkansas Lawmakers Dig Into Prison Escape Failures
- WOWK TV: Devil in Ozarks Planned Prison Escape
- 4029 TV: Escaped Murderer Shouldn’t Have Been in Calico Rock Prison
- Wikipedia: Prison Escape
- White River Now: Inmate Search Continues Following Escape
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arkansas
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
