McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — The Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) from the Rio Grande Valley Sector is heading to Arkansas to help with the manhunt for an escaped inmate, the agency announced Thursday.
The BORTAC team’s deployment from South Texas will help state and local law enforcement agencies who are looking for convicted murderer Grant Hardin.
Hardin, 56, escaped May 25 from the North Central Unit state prison in Calico Rock, Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
He is 6 feet tall and weighs 259 pounds and was convicted of first-degree murder.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his capture.
A criminal complaint filed in federal court in Little Rock that was released this week says Hardin escaped the prison wearing a law enforcement uniform.
He was previously the police chief of the small town of Gateway, Arkansas, according to media reports.
He was serving multiple sentences after pleading guilty to rape and murder. He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in 2017 and was sentenced to 30 years. While in prison his DNA was matched to a 1997 rape case, according to CBS News.
Hardin is considered armed and dangerous and the public is urged to call law enforcement and the FBI with information on him, the FBI says.
Tips can be made to the FBI via this website link or by calling the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (or 1-800-225-5324).
The Border Patrol BORTAC teams include highly trained tactical agents adept at advanced search capabilities in complex terrain. They also are equipped with specialized tools and experienced in high-risk operations, the agency says.
“BORTAC’s unique capabilities and training are well-suited for the demands of this critical mission. USBP is committed to supporting our state and local partners in the effort to apprehend this dangerous fugitive,” Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez said.
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.
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