Update May 27:
According to the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Hardin remains at large as of Tuesday morning.
“An active search remains in effect involving a number of law enforcement agencies from across the state. At this time there are no additional updates,” Champion said.
Anyone with information about Hardin’s whereabouts are urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
Previously:
Calico Rock, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – May 25, 2025 – Residents and holiday vacationers alike are on the alert after a convicted murderer and rapist escaped from the Arkansas Department of Corrections North Central Unit at Calico Rock.
According to a news release, Grant Hardin, ADC #168541, age 56, escaped at approximately 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, May 25. The Stone County Sheriff’s Department said Hardin escaped through the prison’s sally port. It was originally reported that Hardin was wearing an ADC uniform at the time of his escape.
However, late Sunday night, DOC Communications Director Rand Champion issued an update that said, “It has been determined that Hardin was wearing a makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement when he escaped the North Central Unit.
He was not wearing a Department of Corrections uniform, and all DOC-issued equipment has been accounted for.” The release also confirmed Hardin was still at large as of 11:45 p.m. Sunday night.
According to online prison records, Hardin has been incarcerated at the Calico Rock facility since 2017, serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder, in addition to a separate sentence for rape. Prior to his incarceration, Hardin served as the police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, and had a background in law enforcement. Hardin’s last known address prior to entering prison was believed to be 15617 Gann Ridge Road Garfield, Arkansas 72732 in Benton County.
The Arkansas Division of Corrections and the Division of Community Corrections are coordinating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to track leads related to Hardin’s whereabouts. There was no additional information released regarding where Hardin may be headed or whether or not authorities believe he had assistance escaping.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Hardin to contact local law enforcement immediately. Hardin is to be considered extremely dangerous and should not be approached.
The news of the escape comes during Memorial Day weekend when many lodges, resorts and cabins are full of vacationers spending the holiday weekend. The White River and recreational lakes at Norfork and Greers Ferry are frequented by residents from Northeast Arkansas.