Grant Hardin Biography: 56-Year-Old Ex-Gateway Police Chief, Marriage & Career
Grant Hardin 56-year-old police chief biography, Calico Rock, Arkansas – May 26, 2025 – Authorities initiated a massive manhunt for the entire state of Arkansas following convicted murderer and rapist turned former Gateway Police Chief Grant Hardin’s escape from the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock on Sunday afternoon, May 25.
Prison authorities have confirmed that Hardin, 56, was last seen at 3:40 p.m. wearing a disguise in a fake law enforcement uniform as a pretend cop. Officials did confirm that he was not in an official Department of Corrections uniform and that there is no missing prison equipment or attire, and serious questions as to how he came by and used the disguise to facilitate his escape were raised.
Hardin’s criminal past is appalling. In 2017, while serving as the Gateway, Arkansas police chief, he was arrested for killing James Appleton, a city water department employee. Appleton was shot in the head behind it when he was talking with his brother-in-law, the then-mayor of Gateway. Hardin later pleaded guilty and received 30 years in prison. After serving time in prison, a DNA profile from a decades-old rape case linked him to the 1997 sexual assault of an elementary school teacher in Rogers, Arkansas. In 2019, Hardin also pleaded guilty to the crime and received an additional 50-year sentence.
Although his charges were grave, Hardin stayed low-key these past few years — until his unexpected break. Local, state, and federal law enforcement are actively pursuing him at present. The Arkansas Department of Corrections has categorized him as “armed and extremely dangerous,” and individuals are advised not to approach him in case they run into him. Benton County, the old residence and working environment of Hardin, is of particular interest in consideration of his familiarity with the area.
The authorities have yet to make full disclosures about how Hardin was able to escape, though an internal investigation is underway. The public is encouraged to provide any information to the police as soon as possible. This highly publicized escape has raised questions about security procedures and prison surveillance across the state. This is an ongoing story, and more updates are expected as the investigation continues.
Biography of Grant Hardin
Grant Hardin is a former American law enforcement officer known for his controversial career and criminal convictions. Born in 1969, Hardin is approximately 56 years old as of 2025. Although his exact birthdate and birthplace are not publicly disclosed, he has strong ties to Benton County, Arkansas, where he spent much of his life and career.
He holds American nationality and belongs to the White ethnic group. He practices the Christian religion, which has influenced his personal life. Physically, Hardin stands about 6 feet 2 inches (187 cm) tall and weighs approximately 180 pounds (82 kg).
Education
Grant Hardin attended Northwest Arkansas Community College between 2013 and 2015 and earned an associate degree. This education is in conjunction with the last few years of his law enforcement career, and no other formal education records are available to the public.
Married Life
Grant Hardin is married to Linda G. Hardin, whom he met in 1995 while working in law enforcement in his early career. Their relationship progressed quickly, and they married shortly after meeting. The couple settled into Grant’s childhood home, located on Gann Ridge Road in Garfield, Arkansas.
The Hardins have one daughter together. Linda publicly stood by Grant during his legal troubles, provided support and an alibi during his murder investigation, and was even a believer in his innocence despite his guilty plea.
Career
For multiple years, Grant Hardin was employed in various law enforcement positions across Northwest Arkansas, working for multiple agencies. In the early years of his career, he was elected Constable for Benton County’s Township One and performed such functions as law enforcement, serving legal papers, and community safety.
At the start of 2016, Hardin achieved perhaps the pinnacle of his career when he was appointed the police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, a small town in Benton County. Though his time as chief was short (only a few months), Hardin’s police chief position illustrated his climb up the ladder in law enforcement.
Prior to his appointment as police chief, Hardin was well-respected in the local law enforcement community for his badges and experience in multiple ranks of policing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Grant Hardin
1. Who is Grant Hardin?
He is a former American law enforcement officer and ex-police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, who became widely known for his criminal convictions, including murder and rape. He escaped from prison in May 2025, prompting a statewide manhunt.
2. When was Grant Hardin born?
He was born in 1969. His exact birthdate is not publicly disclosed, but he is 56 years old as of 2025.
3. What is Grant Hardin’s educational background?
He attended Northwest Arkansas Community College from 2013 to 2015, where he earned an associate degree. No other formal education details are publicly available.
4. Is Grant Hardin married?
Yes, he is married to Linda G. Hardin. They met in 1995 and have one daughter together.
