The capture and transfer of Grant Hardin, known as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” has been the talk of Arkansas and beyond. Hardin’s story weaves together betrayal, fear, relief, and hard lessons for law enforcement and local communities. His escape from prison, intense manhunt, and eventual capture by highly trained federal agents have left a permanent mark on both the authorities involved and the residents of small-town Arkansas.
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Grant Hardin once served as a police chief in Arkansas, a position of trust and authority. His criminal record tells a far darker story: Hardin is a convicted murderer and rapist serving a decades-long sentence for the 2017 murder of water department worker James Appleton in Gateway, Arkansas. He was also found guilty of rape, turning a once-respected officer into a pariah.
Beyond his role as police chief, Hardin carried out duties as a constable in Benton County and other law enforcement posts throughout Northwest Arkansas. Over time, many people in those communities came to believe he was doing more harm than good, feeling that instead of stopping crime, he was creating it. The sense of betrayal ran deep, especially after his violent crimes came to light.
For 13 days, Hardin was on the run. Calico Rock and neighboring areas became tense as authorities searched the terrain for the fugitive. If you lived in Calico Rock, you probably own a firearm—or more than one. As one resident put it, the question isn’t if, but what kind and how many.
Here’s what locals felt during those days:
- Tension at the prospect of violence
- Dependence on firearms for safety
- A blend of confidence and underlying worry
The manhunt ended dramatically. Border Patrol’s tactical unit from West Texas, trained to track dangerous fugitives, was brought in. On the day of the capture, neighbors described what could only be called an overwhelming show of force.
“All of a sudden trucks came from everywhere and SUVs. There was—I want to say—20 or 30 of them. Next thing we know, they’re hauling Grant Hardin out from back here out of the woods.”
This surge of law enforcement swept away any doubt about how seriously the task was being taken.
Many residents, however, didn’t mince words about the early stages of the search. They felt their tips about suspicious activity were ignored by local police and sheriff’s deputies until Border Patrol agents arrived. As reporter Mills Hayes emphasized, locals were frustrated that “it wasn’t until the Border Patrol got involved that their concerns were acted on.”
After days of uncertainty, people in Calico Rock finally exhaled in relief. While the community is accustomed to guns and wasn’t easily panicked, few were truly unconcerned as a violent fugitive roamed their woods.
Common sentiments in Calico Rock included:
- Gratitude that Hardin was caught
- Relief mixed with continued caution
- Calm acceptance of firearm culture and readiness
The revelation that a former top cop could become a violent criminal left an emotional scar on the community. Many spoke openly about their frustration and sense of betrayal, emotions that may linger for a generation. Trust, once broken in this way, takes time to repair.
The authorities wasted no time after capture. Hardin was swiftly transferred from the North Central Unit, just a few miles from Calico Rock, to the Varner Unit’s Supermax facility. This sprawling prison sits about 30 miles south of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in Lincoln County. The Varner Unit is the state’s highest-security environment, designed for inmates who pose severe threats to public safety.
For those curious about the facility itself, you can read about the Varner Unit’s history and operations.
Being moved to Supermax means a lot more lockdown and a lot less freedom. Inmates there face high security restrictions, constant surveillance, and limited interaction with others. The state clearly wanted Hardin as far from another escape as possible. There’s a stark difference between his previous incarceration and the restrictions he now faces.
For more on how Hardin’s transfer unfolded, check the latest reporting from the Associated Press.
Earl Hyatt, the former Eureka Springs Police Chief and Hardin’s ex-boss, didn’t hide how dangerous he believed Hardin to be.
“It’s a good thing authorities caught him when they did. He’s a violent individual, and my fear was that if he felt like it would be in his best interest to help him escape, he would have hurt somebody.”
A local woman who watched the capture described the event as both frightening and impressive.
“All of a sudden trucks came from everywhere and SUVs. There was, I want to say, 20 or 30 of them. Next thing we know they’re hauling Grant Hardin out from back here out of the woods.”
Local law enforcement handled the initial response. Residents, however, were vocal about the lack of swift action:
- Community members reported suspicious behavior
- Complaints arose that their input was ignored
- Local deputies and police coordinated searches, but results came after federal intervention
The Border Patrol’s tactical unit from West Texas played the pivotal role, thanks to their special skills in tracking and apprehending fugitives. Their intervention brought focus, manpower, and results, leading to the safe capture of Hardin and returning normalcy to Calico Rock.
