Authorities have confirmed that Hardin was apprehended by Izard County officials after being found in close proximity to the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, the site of his initial escape.
In a swift turn of events, escapee Grant Hardin from the Department of Corrections has been apprehended just under 2 miles away from the prison.
Izard County has confirmed the capture, as reported by the Mountain View Police Department on their Facebook page.
Tracking dogs reportedly picked up Hardin’s scent, guiding them to the location where he was ultimately discovered.
Several individuals from the Department of Corrections expressed their opinions regarding the apprehension of the “Devil of the Ozarks”:
“I’m incredibly appreciative to all of our dedicated law enforcement agencies that spent countless hours, both day and night, sacrificing their time, utilizing their resources and lending their invaluable expertise to this search,” said Secretary of Corrections Lindsay Wallace. “To every one of our Department staff that assisted in this manhunt over the last 13 days, I give my heartfelt thank you for your immeasurable contributions to bring this search to a peaceful conclusion.”
“I’m so proud of our Department staff and all the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for being steadfast as they always are,” said Chairman of the Board of Corrections Benny Magness. “I’m appreciative of them dedicating their time and sacrificing all they did to ensure Mr. Hardin was recaptured and the community could feel safe.”
“This was a great joint operation by a number of agencies, and I’m so thankful for their tireless efforts,” said Director of Division of Corrections Dexter Payne. “The Arkansas State Police, U.S. Marshals, FBI, Border Patrol, Game and Fish, all the state and local agencies, along with the dedication of our Department employees, all played an indispensable role and I express my extreme gratitude.”
In a recent development, the U.S. Border Patrol has stepped up to aid in the search, deploying its tactical team to the designated areas.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations has announced a reward of $20,000, complemented by an additional $5,000 from the U.S. Marshals, bringing the total to $25,000.
Hardin was incarcerated in the Department of Corrections for the 1997 rape of a teacher in Rogers and the 2017 murder of an employee in Gateway city.
This situation is developing, and updates will be provided as they come in.
