The Trump administration is being credited by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) with helping to capture escaped inmate Grant Hardin who was caught Friday afternoon after nearly two weeks on the run less than two miles from where he escaped the North Central Unit located in Calico Rock.
Hardin, the former Gateway, Arkansas police chief, had escaped from prison on May 25 while serving a 50 and 30-year sentences for rape and first degree murder. According to authorities, Hardin wore a homemade police uniform to escape, wheeling supplies though the yard to fool guards.
The announcement of Hardin’s capture was made by the Izard County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook:
ESCAPEE CAPTURED
Escapee Grant Hardin was captured this afternoon approximately 1.5 miles west of the prison grounds by law enforcement officials.His identity was confirmed by fingerprint analysis prior to this announcement notifying the public.
We sincerely appreciate the continued support of the community for all law enforcement and Department of Corrections personnel involved in this operation.
KARK-TV reported on the Trump administration getting praise for helping to capture Hardin (excerpt):
Arkansas Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness confirmed that Hardin was captured “about a mile” from the North Central Unit in the woods.
“I’m so proud of our Department staff and all the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for being steadfast as they always are,” Magness said. “I’m appreciative of them dedicating their time and sacrificing all they did to ensure Mr. Hardin was recaptured and the community could feel safe.”
Magness said that the specialized unit from the US Border Patrol Tactical Unit helped officials locate Hardin.
“Thanks to the great work of local, state and federal law enforcement, Arkansans can breathe a sigh of relief and I can confirm that violent criminal Grant Hardin is back in custody,” Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. “I am grateful for all law enforcement who contributed to his capture and give special thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem, who sent a team from Border Patrol that was instrumental in tracking and apprehending Hardin.”
NewsNation reporter Ali Bradley posted a statement and photos released by the Arkansas Department of Corrections:
“Via Arkansas Dept. of Corrections: “Escaped inmate Grant Hardin has been recaptured and was taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m. on Friday, June 6. Hardin was found by Arkansas law enforcement officers and the U.S. Border Patrol near Moccasin Creek in Izard County, roughly a mile and a half west of the North Central Unit. Tracking dogs were able to pick up a scent in the area, and Hardin was apprehended a short time later. The capture of Hardin ends a nearly two-week manhunt that included hundreds of local, state, and federal agencies.””
Via Arkansas Dept. of Corrections: “Escaped inmate Grant Hardin has been recaptured and was taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m. on Friday, June 6. Hardin was found by Arkansas law enforcement officers and the U.S. Border Patrol near Moccasin Creek in Izard County, roughly a… https://t.co/uPdb4VqgQH pic.twitter.com/UvcNxjstei
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) June 6, 2025
