How Challenging Terrain in Northern Arkansas May Help Fugitive Stay Hidden as Manhunt Enters Fifth Day
How As the manhunt for escaped inmate Grant Hardin stretches into its fifth day, law enforcement officials searching the rugged wilderness of northern Arkansas are contending with natural obstacles.
Hundreds of officers from federal, state, and local agencies have joined the effort to find him, department spokesperson Rand Champion said Wednesday. However, rough weather conditions have hampered the early stages of the search, and the region’s challenging landscape continues to offer the fugitive an array of hiding spots.
“The terrain is far from open or flat,” Champion explained. “There are caves, barns, abandoned vehicles, old sheds, and even residences scattered throughout the area—plenty of places where someone could hide or find shelter.”
“He’s not originally from this exact area, but he grew up in Northwest Arkansas, which features similar terrain,” Champion explained. “That familiarity with the landscape presents an added challenge for those searching for him.”
Northern Arkansas is known for its dense cave systems, one of the most extensive in the state, according to Matt Covington, an associate professor of geosciences at the University of Arkansas.
“The most complete database lists about 1,500 caves in northern Arkansas,” Covington told CNN. “There are likely many more caves that have yet to be discovered or documented.”
In the region around Calico Rock, where the prison is located, approximately 300 to 400 caves have been reported, offering potential temporary hiding spots.
“Most of these caves are relatively small—around 100 feet or less—but some extend over a mile in length,” Covington noted.
He added, “The entrance areas of caves can serve as useful hiding places. They often have water sources, boulders to conceal oneself beneath, and narrow crawlways or side passages.”
However, Covington cautioned that the conditions inside these caves are far from ideal. “They tend to be cool, around 58 degrees Fahrenheit, and many are damp or wet,” he said.
“Hypothermia can become a serious risk quickly,” Covington explained. “You also need light, but most portable lights only last a day or so before requiring new batteries or recharging. And eventually, you have to come out to find food.”
He also pointed out that most caves have only a single entrance, limiting options for a quick escape.
“So, while a cave entrance might serve as a temporary shelter or protection from rain,” Covington said, “you would likely be trapped if tracking dogs found you inside.”
In fact, the recent rain helped Hardin buy crucial time after his escape, according to Arkansas Department of Corrections spokesperson Rand Champion.
“Rain makes it harder for our tracking dogs to follow a scent,” Champion said. We’re hoping the weather improves so we can deploy more aerial resources.”
While the rain eased by Tuesday, the area remained cool, overcast, and shrouded in low clouds and fog through much of the week.
Experience with Law Enforcement Tactics
His background was even featured on the Investigation Discovery documentary Devil in the Ozarks (Investigation Discovery, like CNN, is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery).
“Obviously, having a law enforcement background means you’ve had specialized training and familiarity with the tactics that would be used against you,” Champion noted.
As of Thursday afternoon, Hardin remained at large, with local, state, and federal agencies continuing their search. On Friday, the FBI announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his capture.
“What we ask of people in the area, especially, is to stay alert and aware of your surroundings,” Champion said.