Bloodhounds Key in Search for Escaped Arkansas Inmate
Authorities in Arkansas are working diligently to recapture Grant Hardin, a convicted killer who recently escaped from a prison in Calico Rock. The search has intensified, with specialized units relying on trained bloodhounds to track down the fugitive.
Shortly after his escape, a bloodhound began picking up Hardin’s scent. Despite heavy rains that complicated the situation, experts affirm that these dogs have remarkable abilities, allowing them to detect fresh trails even in challenging conditions. Bloodhounds, known for having around 300 million scent cells, excel in tracking and can even distinguish between identical twins based on smell.
Brian Tierney, president of the National Police Bloodhound Association, emphasized the value of these dogs in searches. As the hunt for Hardin continues, it has been six days since his escape, and the bloodhound played a crucial role in the early tracking efforts.
Due to the rain, the search faced setbacks. The hound initially tracked Hardin for less than a quarter of a mile before losing the scent, prompting fears that he may have wandered off in any direction. Authorities are particularly focused on ensuring that their search efforts are effective, with prison spokesperson Rand Champion noting the challenges posed by the weather.
Despite the challenges, the bloodhounds at Calico Rock are an invaluable asset. The dogs live on the prison grounds, trained specifically to assist in these types of manhunts. Historically, these dogs have supported various agencies, even helping recover missing children and vulnerable individuals in emergency cases.
The public remains engaged in the search, with flyers featuring Hardin’s photo appearing throughout the area. Meanwhile, tips about his potential sightings, including one in southern Missouri, have been ruled out, reinforcing the belief that he’s likely still close to the prison.
Hardin, a former police chief, was serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder when he escaped. His past has drawn significant attention, including details about his involvement in a notorious rape case that led to a lengthy prison sentence.
As the manhunt progresses, the ability of bloodhounds to trace scents effectively highlights the importance of keeping these trained animals in our law enforcement toolkit. Their keen senses and commitment play a vital role in making communities safer and aiding in the pursuit of justice.
