The US border patrol tactical unit from Texas, known as Bortac, has been deployed to Arkansas to help hunt for Grant Hardin, officials said.
This unit “is equipped with special tools and has extensive experience in high -risk operations and complex terrain navigation,” according to a statement from the US Customs and border protection.
Hardin, 56, escaped from the north central unit state prison in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on May 25 through the port of Sally disguised as a correction officer “in clothing and ways,” which caused other correction officers to “operate a safe gate to open the gate and allow Hardin to leave the North Central Unit,” according to an Afidavit obtained by ABC News.
Officials said during the press conference that Hardin did not wear an official uniform from the Penitentiary Department and had to be “homemade or brought somehow.”
Hardin is currently free, and the FBI offers prizes of up to $ 20,000 for information that leads to its arrest.
The RGV sector Bortac team consists of highly trained tactical agents and they provide “advanced search capabilities and operational support for the ongoing multi-agency efforts in North Arkansas,” said officials.
“Bortac’s unique capabilities and training are very suitable for the demands of this critical mission. USBP is committed to supporting our state and local partners in an effort to capture this dangerous fugitive,” said Head of Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.
The authorities have used helicopters, drones, K9 and ATV officers in their search for Hardin but, so far, they cannot find it.

Grant Hardin in a police photo.
Stone County Arkansas Sheriff Office
The heavy terrain, dense forested areas, hills and rain days have “hampered the ongoing search,” said a spokesman for the Penitentiary Department.
The deputies continue to monitor the highway near the prison and are conducting a security checkpoint in the area, according to officials, and the Penitentiary said they were in contact with neighboring countries, because Hardin grew on the Missouri border.
Hardin pleaded guilty to October 2017 for the first -level murder in connection with the shooting of James Appleton who was 59 years old, according to the Associated Press.
He was also punished for rape in 1997 a elementary school teacher in Rogers, Arkansas, a crime that was highlighted in a television documentary 2023 “Devil in the Ozarks.”
Hardin is described as high as 6 feet and weighs 259 pounds and the authorities say that anyone who has information about its existence must immediately contact the local law enforcement.
ABC News’ Ahmad Hemingway and Megan Forrester contributed to this report.