Ex-Police Chief on Grant Hardin Escape: 'He Won't Hesitate to Kill Again'

Grant Hardin's Escape and Past Behavior

• 🚨 Retired Police Chief Earl Hyatt expressed shock and surprise upon learning of Grant Hardin's escape.
• 💡 Hyatt, Hardin's former boss at the Eureka Springs Police Department, was in the process of firing Hardin for excessive force and falsifying a police report before Hardin resigned.
• ⚠️ Hyatt described Hardin as volatile and violent, noting he had two other officers present when he confronted Hardin about his termination.

Hardin's Career After Eureka Springs

• 🗺️ Hardin later became the police chief of Gateway, a small town near Eureka Springs, a fact Hyatt was unaware of until much later.
• 👤 Gateway hired Hardin as their very first and only police officer to date.

Concerns About Hardin's Potential for Violence

• ⚖️ Hyatt is deeply concerned Hardin will kill again, stating he believes Hardin is desperate and has nothing to lose.
• 🌳 The terrain of the Ozarks, with its caves, dense forests, and empty cabins, makes it easy for Hardin to remain concealed.
• 🔪 Hardin's past actions include shooting a man in the head for no reason and raping a school teacher.

Investigation and Current Concerns

• 🕵️ Investigators are checking Hardin's known associates and past residences while searching the rugged terrain.
• 🗣️ Hyatt recalls Hardin being physically threatening and unable to control his breathing when confronted about his termination, indicating a desire to retaliate.
• 🔒 Residents are advised to lock their doors and be vigilant due to Hardin being armed and considered dangerous.