(NewsNation) — The manhunt for the “Devil in the Ozarks” has now entered its second week, and federal authorities have increased the combined reward for the capture of fugitive Grant Hardin.
The search has also taken another interesting turn with investigators now scouring mountains, caves, and abandoned cabins in the rugged Arkansas terrain for Hardin. But police suspect he’s still hiding in Calico Rock, where he was housed at the North Central Unit.
Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas Department of Corrections officers have set up checkpoints around the city, with both departments checking anytime cars come into the area.
Several Calico Rock residents told NewsNation’s Mills Hayes they are concerned about Hardin, but do not feel they are in danger.
“I’m not losing no sleep over it,” said Donald Lemley, owner of Lemley’s Calico, Arkansas. “It’s not bothering me one bit. As far as I’m concerned, it’s probably the safest place in America right now per capita. I think we have more law enforcement in this area than we do population.”
Hardin is a former police chief who was serving decades in prison for murder and sexual assault, and was able to walk out of prison while disguised as a correctional officer. Police have yet to find that uniform, so they believe Hardin might still be wearing it while on the run.
Police in Arkansas have asked residents for help in tracking down Hardin, but to no avail.
The FBI is now offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Hardin’s arrest, in addition to the $5,000 offered by the U.S. Marshall’s Service. Tips reportedly have come in from as far as 70 miles away.