Former police chief was found after 2 weeks on the run after prison

A former police chief, who was convicted of rape and murder, has been found After he escaped the prison And was on the run for two weeks.

Grant Hardin, also known as “Devil in the Ozarks,” captured by the authorities 1.5 miles from Calico Rock North Central Unit in Arkansas, where he had been held since 2017, Friday 6 June, said Izard County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) in a News notice Shared on Facebook.

Hardin’s identity was confirmed by fingerprints per police officer.

“We sincerely appreciate the continued support of the community for all law enforcement and the Department of Correction Staff involved in this operation,” ICSO said in a statement.

According to a statement From Arkansas Department of Corrections, Hardin “had a provisional outfit designed to mimic law enforcement” during his escape. Officials confirmed that he did not wear a DOC uniform and said that all DOC-set equipment had been reported.

A prison officer in one of the watchtop opened a safe gate that allowed Hardin to freely leave, Associated Press reported, with reference to a court document.

Rand Champion, a spokesman for the state prison system, told the outlet that the lack of verification of Hardin’s references was a “decay” and would be investigated.

Do you want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Register People’s free real crime news letter To break crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of exciting unresolved cases.

Hardin was the former police chief of the city of Gateway, Ark. In 2017, he invoked murder after killing 59-year-old James Appleton, who worked in the city of Gateway’s Water Department, CBS newsThe 5news and New York Times reported, with reference to a commitment.

The legal document says Hardin murdered Appleton in February 2017 after pulling up to his parked car and shooting him through the window while the victim was on the phone, according to Times. A motive remains unknown.

While serving his 30-year murder sentence, Hardin also relied on the rape of an elementary school teacher in 1997 in Rogers, Ark., 5 News reported. Hardin was tied to the long -unsublished crime after the authorities linked him to DNA taken from the victim’s clothes, the authorities said, according to the outlet.

According to the authorities, the victim said Hardin pointed a gun at her and raped her after she left the school toilet, Times reported. He was sentenced to 50 years for that crime, according to Associated Press.

Reacts to Hardin’s catch, Corrections Secretary Lindsay Wallace mentioned“I am extremely appreciative for all our dedicated law enforcement authorities that spent countless hours, both day and night, sacrificed their time, exploits their resources and lends their invaluable expertise to this search.”

She added, “to each of our departments that helped with this manhunt over the past 13 days, I make my heartfelt thank you for your impossible contributions to get this search to a peaceful conclusion.”