RELATED VIDEO: Hunt for Hardin recap
IZARD COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Escaped Arkansas inmate Grant Hardin, known as “Devil in the Ozarks,” has been taking into custody, according to the Izard County Sheriff’s Office.
“Hardin was taken into custody by Izard County authorities just a short distance from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock,” the Stone County Sheriff’s Office said via Facebook. “While many details will remain under investigation there is no longer an active threat to public safety.”
Board of Corrections member Benny Magness also confirmed that Hardin is in custody.
Hardin, who was serving time for murder and rape, was first reported missing from the North Central Unit nearly two weeks ago on May 25.
Hardin managed to escape by impersonating a law enforcement official, according to a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
Magness said he was captured about a mile from the unit in the woods, with help from a specialized unit from border patrol.
An extensive manhunt
During the nearly two weeks that Hardin spent outside of the prison, authorities launched a massive manhunt that included local, state and federal agencies.
“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.”
Hardin is a former police chief in the small Arkansas town of Gateway and had been incarcerated at the North Central Unit since 2017. He was serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder and an additional sentence for rape at the time of his escape.
This is a developing story.
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