Barnes County (trfnews.i234.me) — An overnight manhunt involving drones, deputies, and a desperate escape ended Thursday morning with a cold and defeated suspect giving himself up in rural North Dakota.
The saga began around 6 p.m. Wednesday when a Barnes County deputy responded to suspicious activity near some equipment. Authorities arrested Jason Azure of Belcourt, charging him with hindering law enforcement, false information, and unlawful use of plates.
However, his passenger, George Jerome of Cavalier, jumped into the driver’s seat and fled the scene. The vehicle was later found abandoned in a ditch near Hope, and Jerome was spotted fleeing on foot through a nearby farmyard.
Drones were deployed, but Jerome evaded capture. Deputies maintained presence overnight until a Seal County farmer called at 7:30 a.m., reporting Jerome in his yard.
Authorities followed footprints through a shelterbelt, where they found a freezing Jerome who said, “It’s about time. I need to give up. I can’t do this anymore. I’m done.”
Jerome was medically cleared and joined Azure at the Barnes County Jail. He also had outstanding warrants. New charges are pending.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.