Sun May 25 23:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Dangerous Inmate Escapes Arkansas Prison as Severe Storms Loom**
**CALICO ROCK, Ark. (KATV) -** Authorities are searching for Grant Hardin, an inmate who escaped from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock around 3:40 p.m. on May 25th. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) is urging anyone with information on Hardin’s location to contact law enforcement immediately.
The Division of Correction and the Division of Community Correction are collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies to track down leads in the ongoing search.
Hardin, who has been incarcerated at the North Central Unit since 2017, is serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder, along with an additional sentence for rape. Adding to the urgency of the situation, Hardin is a former police chief for the city of Gateway and has extensive experience in law enforcement.
The public is also being warned to stay weather aware as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 9 p.m.
This is a developing story and updates will be provided as they become available.
First Piper 