GRADY, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Corrections released a critical incident report with new details on how convicted murderer and rapist Grant Hardin escaped from the North Central Unit in May 2025.

The report was ordered on June 16, less than a week after a two-week manhunt for Hardin ended in his arrest. The report was sent to Division of Corrections Director Dexter Payne on Aug. 8 and was obtained by 5NEWS via Freedom of Information Act request on Aug. 15.

Hardin was serving sentences in the Calico Rock prison when he was reportedly let out of a secure gate by two prison employees that have since been terminated.

State corrections officials have been questioned by legislators on the matter and have repeatedly said this was a personnel issue and simple human error.

The repor

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