Arkansas Prison Escape Raises Concerns Over Security Failures

Calico Rock, Arkansas — Two employees at a Calico Rock prison have been fired following the escape of inmate Grant Hardin, known as the “Devil in the Ozarks.” On May 25, Hardin, who is serving life sentences for murder and rape, managed to escape while wearing a makeshift law enforcement uniform.

The Arkansas Department of Corrections revealed the two staff members violated policy, allowing Hardin to walk free. One employee had let him outside unsupervised, while the other failed to confirm Hardin’s identity before opening a gate, said Benny Magness, chairperson of the board of corrections.

<p“Had either followed the policy, this escape wouldn't have happened,” Magness told legislators during a hearing. Lawmakers expressed concerns that the breach pointed to larger issues within the facility's security systems.

On June 6, Hardin was located just 1.5 miles from the prison. Authorities reported he created his disguise from an inmate uniform and a black-dyed kitchen apron, adding a soup can lid and Bible cover to mimic a badge.

Republican state senator Matt McKee remarked, “We’ve got major issues here that need to be dealt with.” He, along with other lawmakers, emphasized the alarming nature of how Hardin crafted the uniform without detection.

Hardin, previously a police chief in Gateway, has pleaded not guilty to escape charges and is due in court in November. After his recapture, he was moved to a maximum-security prison in Varner, around 65 miles southeast of Little Rock.

In addition to creating the fake uniform, Hardin had fashioned a ladder from wooden pallets and reportedly took peanut butter sandwiches to sustain himself following the escape.

Dexter Payne, director of the division of correction, stated that a critical incident review is set for July to determine possible further repercussions and policy changes. “There’s nobody more embarrassed about it than me,” warden Thomas Hurst said. “We failed, and I understand it.”