Convicted killer and rapist ex-police chief still on loose after prison escape

An urgent manhunt enters day four as authorities search for a ex-police chief convicted of murder

and rape in the rugged terrain of north central Arkansas. Grant Hardin, who became known as the devil in the Ozarks, snuck away from the north central unit

also known as the Calico Rock Prison Sunday. Authorities say Hardin escaped disguised in a

law enforcement uniform. A court affidavit obtained by ABC News reveals the former police

chief was let out through a secured gate by a corrections officer. Apparently unaware

he just let a convicted killer go free. Cheryl Tillman, the mayor of Gateway Wareharden served

as police chief before he was convicted of killing her brother, James Appleton, says

she's fearful and angered by his escape. I think that's what I'm angry about the most

is they put him in a minimum security prison knowing he's not a dummy that he could do something like this

And then I also blame the prison for them letting him out

Do they not have badges that they have to show? I have a badge I have to show when I go to work at school

And I sure you have a badge you have to show So somebody failed our system Tillman also says the manhunt for her brother killer has reopened deep wounds for her and her siblings loved ones already dealing with grief

I probably had a hatred for that man for a long time

And then I finally had to learn to let go. And then, you know, you get this call Sunday and you're thinking

what in the world is going on? So it just brings back all emotions

Hardin was serving a 30-year sentence for shooting and killing Appleton. He also received an additional 50 years for rape and kidnapping connected to the sexual assault of a school teacher in 1997

Federal, state, and local authorities are currently using drones, canines, and searching through the forests, mountains, and caves for Hardin

They believe he is still in the area and urged nearby residents to remain on high alert

locking doors to their homes and vehicles. A $10,000 reward has been offered by law enforcement

for information leading to his arrest. Authorities warn the public Hardin is considered dangerous

and fear he is capable of killing again. For more on this story

download the Straight Arrow News app or visit san.com. For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey