Former Police Chief, Convicted of Rape and Murder, Escapes Prison

Former Police Chief, Convicted of Rape and Murder, Escapes Prison; Nationwide Manhunt Underway A former police chief, Grant Hardin, has escaped from prison in northern Arkansas, sparking a nationwide manhunt. Hardin was serving a sentence for the rape of a teacher and the execution-style murder of a man in 2017. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Surveillance footage shows Hardin leaving the prison pulling a cart, dressed in dark clothing designed to mimic a law enforcement uniform. Court documents reveal another corrections officer aided in his escape by opening a gate for him. This incident follows a recent jailbreak in New Orleans, where ten inmates escaped through a hole behind a toilet, causing concern about prison security. "He's extremely dangerous," stated Nathan Smith, the prosecutor who helped put Hardin behind bars. "He's already proven that he has no moral core." The escape has prompted a massive search, though heavy rain and rugged terrain are hindering efforts. Two other escapees from a separate incident in New Orleans were apprehended after a high-speed chase. The investigation into Hardin's escape continues, with questions raised about the delay in forensic processing of the escape route. The swift response and cooperation of law enforcement agencies across state lines offer a glimmer of hope in the ongoing manhunt for Hardin.