A U.S. Border Patrol tactical unit from Texas, often known as BORTAC, has been deployed to Arkansas to help within the manhunt for Grant Hardin, officers stated.
This unit is “outfitted with specialised instruments and possess in depth expertise in high-risk operations and complicated terrain navigation,” in line with a press release from U.S. Customs and Border Safety.
Hardin, 56, escaped from the North Central Unit state jail in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on Could 25 by means of a sally port by impersonating a corrections officer “in gown and method,” which prompted one other corrections officer “working a safe gate to open the gate and permit Hardin to stroll away from the North Central Unit,” in line with an affidavit obtained by ABC Information.
Officers stated throughout a press convention that Hardin was not carrying an official uniform from the division of corrections and it needed to “have been do-it-yourself or introduced in in some way.”
Hardin at present stays at giant, and the FBI is providing a reward of as much as $20,000 for data resulting in his seize.
The RGV Sector BORTAC staff consists of extremely skilled tactical brokers and they’re offering “superior search capabilities and operational help to the multi-agency effort underway in northern Arkansas,” officers stated.
“BORTAC’s distinctive capabilities and coaching are well-suited for the calls for of this essential mission. USBP is dedicated to supporting our state and native companions within the effort to apprehend this harmful fugitive,” stated Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.
Authorities have already been utilizing helicopters, drones, K9 officers and ATVs of their seek for Hardin however have, thus far, not been capable of finding him.
Grant Hardin in police photograph.
Stone County Arkansas Sheriff’s Workplace
Rugged terrain, densely wooded areas, hills and days of rain have been “hindering the continuing search,” a spokesperson with the division of corrections stated.
Deputies are persevering with to observe the roadways close to the jail and are conducting safety checkpoints within the space, in line with officers, and the division of corrections stated they’re in touch with neighboring states, since Hardin grew up on the Missouri border.
Hardin pleaded responsible in October 2017 to first-degree homicide in reference to the taking pictures loss of life of 59-year-old James Appleton, in line with The Related Press.
He was additionally convicted of the 1997 rape of an elementary faculty instructor in Rogers, Arkansas, a criminal offense highlighted within the 2023 tv documentary “Satan within the Ozarks.”
Hardin is described as 6 toes tall and weighing 259 kilos and authorities stated anybody with data concerning his whereabouts ought to contact native legislation enforcement instantly.
ABC Information’ Ahmad Hemingway and Megan Forrester contributed to this report.
