Convicted Murderer and Former Police Chief Escapes Arkansas Prison

A convicted murderer and former police chief, Grant Hardin, escaped from an Arkansas prison on Sunday. Hardin was serving an 80-year sentence for rape and murder. He was able to walk out of the prison wearing a makeshift law enforcement uniform. The escape has prompted a large-scale manhunt in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. Gateway Mayor Cheryl Tillman, whose brother was murdered by Hardin in 2017, expressed deep concern for her safety. "I don't like guns, but we have one loaded now," she said. Authorities are using dogs, drones, and helicopters in the search, but the manhunt is challenging due to bad weather and rough terrain. The investigation into how Hardin escaped is ongoing.