VIDEO: Arkansas Department of Corrections gives Wednesday afternoon update on Izard County escapee

FAULKNER COUNTY, Ark. – Faulkner County authorities said deputies assisted United States marshals and Department of Corrections personnel in a search on Wednesday following a tip of a reported sighting of an inmate who escaped from a north Arkansas prison.

Arkansas Department of Corrections officials said authorities responded to Faulkner County on Wednesday after receiving a tip of a possible sighting of Grant Hardin.

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Officials with the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office said deputies searched the area between Damascus and Greenbrier after receiving a potential lead on a sighting of Hardin on Sunday evening.

FCSO officials said they have cleared the area and are continuing to investigate the validity of the lead.

“We join all law enforcement agencies across the state in asking citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement personnel,” FCSO officials said.

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Hardin, who was serving a 30-year sentence for murder and rape, escaped Izard County’s North Central Unit prison on Sunday night by walking through the unit’s main security entrance while dressed in clothing mimicking a law enforcement officer’s appearance.

Anyone who sees Hardin is asked to call 911 or the FCSO at 501-450-4917