The manhunt for an ex-police chief convicted of murder and rape stretched into its fourth day on Thursday, May 29.
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An urgent manhunt enters day four as authorities search for a ex-police chief convicted of murder
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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
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also known as the Calico Rock Prison Sunday. Authorities say Hardin escaped disguised in a
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law enforcement uniform. A court affidavit obtained by ABC News reveals the former police
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chief was let out through a secured gate by a corrections officer. Apparently unaware
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he just let a convicted killer go free. Cheryl Tillman, the mayor of Gateway Wareharden served
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as police chief before he was convicted of killing her brother, James Appleton, says
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she's fearful and angered by his escape. I think that's what I'm angry about the most
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is they put him in a minimum security prison knowing he's not a dummy that he could do something like this
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And then I also blame the prison for them letting him out
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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
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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
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I probably had a hatred for that man for a long time
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And then I finally had to learn to let go. And then, you know, you get this call Sunday and you're thinking
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what in the world is going on? So it just brings back all emotions
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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
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Federal, state, and local authorities are currently using drones, canines, and searching through the forests, mountains, and caves for Hardin
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They believe he is still in the area and urged nearby residents to remain on high alert
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locking doors to their homes and vehicles. A $10,000 reward has been offered by law enforcement
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for information leading to his arrest. Authorities warn the public Hardin is considered dangerous
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and fear he is capable of killing again. For more on this story
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download the Straight Arrow News app or visit san.com. For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey
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