CALICO ROCK, Ark. — A former police chief, Grant Hardin, has escaped from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, while serving a lengthy sentence for murder and rape. The Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) reported that Hardin, 56, made his escape around 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, May 25. He was last seen wearing a makeshift outfit designed to resemble a law enforcement uniform, although it was not official gear.

Hardin is considered extremely dangerous, and authorities have warned the public not to approach him. The Stone County Sheriff's Office stated that a joint search effort is underway, involving the Arkansas State Police and local law enforcement agencies. As of Monday, May 26, there have been no updates on his whereabouts.

Hardin has a troubling criminal history. He was sentenced to 30 years for the first-degree murder of James Appleton, a 59-year-old city water employee, in 2017. Appleton was found shot in the face inside his work truck. Witnesses reported seeing a white sedan near the scene, and DNA evidence later linked Hardin to a separate rape case from 1997.

In that case, Hardin pleaded guilty to raping an elementary school teacher in Rogers, Arkansas. The assault occurred while the teacher was preparing her classroom for the week. Hardin, armed with a gun, attacked her in a bathroom and then moved her to a classroom for a second assault. Despite the presence of numerous people at a church service in the school, few witnesses were available. It wasn't until six years later that DNA evidence matched Hardin to the crime.

Hardin's background includes a brief tenure as police chief in Gateway, Arkansas, where he served for only a few months in 2016. He has also worked as a police officer and corrections officer in the past. His law enforcement experience raises concerns about his potential threat to the community.

Authorities have described Hardin as approximately 6 feet tall and weighing around 259 pounds. They are urging anyone with information about his escape or current location to contact local law enforcement immediately. The public is advised to remain vigilant, lock their doors, and report any sightings of Hardin to 911.

The search for Hardin continues, with law enforcement utilizing drones and conducting road checks in the area. Sheriff Brandon Long of the Stone County Sheriff's Office emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Anytime there's an escape, we consider that a threat to the public." Hardin's connections in Northwest Arkansas could complicate the search efforts.