Border Patrol Deploys Unit To Track Arkansas Fugitive Who Pleaded Guilty To Murder

Border Patrol has deployed a tactical unit to help track down a fugitive who escaped from a state prison over ten days ago.

The unit, known as BORTAC, is "equipped with specialized tools and possess extensive experience in high-risk operations and complex terrain navigation," U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement.

Grant Hardin escaped from the North Central Unit state prison in Calico Rock on May 25 after impersonating an officer "in dress and manner," ABC News reported. He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in 2017 in connection with the shooting and death of another man. He has also been convicted of rape.

The FBI is offering $20,000 for information leading to his capture. In the meantime, the BORTAC will aid operations by providing "advanced search capabilities and operational support," officials said. So far, a complicated geographical landscape and days of rain have complicated efforts, a spokesperson with the department of corrections said.

The escape took place shortly after another high-profile jailbreak, when New Orleans inmates managed to escape a local jail. Out of the 10 escapees, eight have been recaptured and two remain at large since May 16.

Earlier this year, a California fugitive who was also on the run in Mexico was captured. Cesar Hernandez was taken in a joint operative carried out by state and federal officers in April. He had managed to avoid authorities last week, killing a Baja California commander.