Fargo: Centre Walkout Leads to Felony Escape Charge

Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man is facing a felony escape charge after police say he walked out of a local facility during intake.

George B. Johnson Jr., of Fargo, is charged with felony escape.

The allegation stems from an incident reported on January 6, 2026.

What the incident report says

Officers were sent to Centre, Inc. in Fargo for a reported escape.

An employee told police Johnson had walked out of the facility.

The report says he was serving a six-day sentence imposed by Fargo Municipal Court.

He had just arrived and was in the intake process, the report states.

Police say officers found Johnson nearby a short time later.

They asked why he was not at the facility.

Johnson allegedly said the paperwork was taking too long.

He also said he was asked to sign too many papers.

Police say he was told he was under arrest.

He was placed in handcuffs without issues, according to the report.

He was searched and taken to jail, the report states.

North Dakota law defines “escape” as removing yourself from official detention without lawful authority.

The escape law is listed under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-08-06.

Under that section, escape can be charged as a felony in certain situations.

Centre, Inc. operates residential transitional facilities in North Dakota, including Fargo.

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation describes it as a structured, staffed program with intake and monitoring.

Charging information and court scheduling were not included in the incident report excerpt.

Charges are allegations.

Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Centre, Inc. overview (ND DOCR): Centre, Inc.

North Dakota court records search: ND Courts Records Inquiry.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

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