'Devil in the Ozarks': Reward for escapee Grant Hardin grows

(NewsNation) — Federal authorities have increased the combined reward for the capture of fugitive Grant Hardin as police in Arkansas ask residents for help in tracking down the escaped inmate.

The 56-year-old Hardin, a former police chief who was serving decades in prison for murder and sexual assault, was able to walk out of medium-security prison May 25 while disguised as a correctional officer.

Late Friday, the Izard County Sheriff's Office asked residents of Calico Rock and Pineville to recheck game cameras and surveillance systems for any signs of Hardin or suspicious vehicles. Officials hope something notable surfaces in the video feeds that could help them.

Meantime, the FBI is now offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Hardin’s arrest; that is on top of $5,000 offered by the U.S. Marshall’s Service. Tips reportedly have come in from as far as 70 miles away.

The manhunt for Hardin continues throughout the rugged terrain of the Ozarks, which includes forests, waterways and caves. Authorities have used bloodhounds, drones and horses in an attempt to capture the fugitive, who is considered armed and dangerous.

“This is the perfect place for someone to get lost,” says Jennifer Coffindaffer, a NewsNation law and justice contributor.

Hardin may be more elusive because of his law enforcement background, she said.

Anyone with information about Hardin’s whereabouts are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or local law enforcement.