FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CALICO ROCK – Escaped inmate Grant Hardin has been recaptured and was taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m. on Friday, June 6.
Hardin was found by Arkansas law enforcement officers and the U.S. Border Patrol near Moccasin Creek in Izard County, roughly a mile and a half west of the North Central Unit. Tracking dogs were able to pick up a scent in the area, and Hardin was apprehended a short time later.
The capture of Hardin ends a nearly two-week manhunt that included hundreds of local, state, and federal agencies.
“Thanks to the great work of local, state and federal law enforcement Arkansans can breathe a sigh of relief and I can confirm that violent criminal Grant Hardin is back in custody,” said Governor Sarah Sanders. “I am grateful for all law enforcement who contributed to his capture and give special thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem, who sent a team from Border Patrol that was instrumental in tracking and apprehending Hardin.”
“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 Correction 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 escaped from the North Central Unit at approximately 2:55 p.m. on Sunday, May 25 by impersonating a law enforcement official.
