The Arkansas police are conducting a large-scale search operation following the escape of Grant Hardin, a former police chief convicted of murder, from a medium-security prison. Hardin, known as the Devil of Ozark, managed to bypass security by wearing a uniform resembling that of the prison guards.

In 2017, Hardin admitted to fatally shooting James Appleton, a city employee from Gateway, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Later, his DNA was matched with evidence from the scene of a 1997 assault on a primary school teacher, leading to an additional sentence of 50 years.

Cheryl Tillman, the sister of James Appleton, expressed alarm over Hardin's escape, highlighting the family's involvement as witnesses during the legal proceedings.

The escape took place just days after ten meneight fugitives