Arkansas Department of Corrections fires two people after Grant Hardin escape investigation

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas Department of Corrections have made some personnel changes after an inmate escape in May.

A DOC spokesperson said two people have been fired. The spokesperson would not give the names of the two, nor why they were fired, but did confirm the DOC action came after an investigation into inmate Grant Hardin escaping from the DOC North Central Unit in Calico Rock.

Hardin escaped on May 25 by walking through the secured entrance gate while pushing a cart with what was later found to be scrap wood on it. He was wearing a fabricated law enforcement officer’s uniform and a vest that said “Police” on the back.

Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness said the escape indicated policies were not followed.

Hardin was captured on June 5, less than a mile and a half from the prison, officials said, after a multi-agency search including a Border Patrol Tactical Response Team.

DOC officials are scheduled to meet with the  Charitable, Penal, and Correctional Institutions Subcommittee on Thursday regarding Hardin’s escape. 

The meeting will be streamed on FOX16.com at 3 p.m.