Escaped ex-cop rapist dubbed 'Devil of the Ozarks' thought to be hiding in caves

A convicted former policeman dubbed the "Devil of the Ozarks" is thought to be hiding in caves after escaping from .

Grant Hardin, 56, had been locked in a maximum-security wing while serving a lengthy sentence for rape and - but on Sunday. The convict fled from Calico Rock prison, Arkansas, in the heart of the sprawling Ozark Mountains - where authorities worry he could be hiding in one of the area's many hideouts. These range from subterranean caves, abandoned cabins, and campsites dotted around the forested highlands. warned they were "concerned" about the difficulties trying to find the fugitive could bring.

Hardin reportedly knows the vast cave systems well, according to local café owner Darla Nix - whose son grew up around the now convicted cop. "Caves have definitely been a source of concern and a point of emphasis," Arkansas Department of Corrections spokesperson Rand Champion said.

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Champion added: "That’s one of the challenges of this area — there are a lot of places to hide and take shelter, a lot of abandoned sheds, and there are a lot of caves in this area, so that’s been a priority for the search team. It adds to the challenge of a search in this area, for sure."

There are more than 2,000 documented caves in northern Arkansas and some of these have small entrances that might not be visible to a passer-by. Cave writer Michael Ray Taylor said hiding in one of these underground sites for a long time would not be impossible, but "you have to go out for food, and you're more likely to be discovered".

The search for Hardin has not stopped at caves as authorities are expanding their search above and below the ground.

The former Arkansas police chief was serving decades long sentences for his crimes and had been held at the North Central Unit in Calico Rock since 2017. He pleaded guilty in October 2017 to first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of 59-year-old James Appleton.

He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for this case and he is also serving 50 years in prison for the 1997 rape of an elementary teacher. Hardin was also the subject of the TV documentary "Devil in the Ozarks".

Officials said Hardin had disguised himself and was "wearing a makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement when he escaped the North Central Unit".

The convict held a job at the kitchen in the prison and cops revealed they were looking into whether this role had helped Hardin escape. Champion said: "His job assignment was in the kitchen, so just looking to see if that played a part in it as well."