WEST FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) - A grandmother was arrested Thanksgiving Day by West Fargo police, accused of hiding a 13-year old runaway.
53-year old Margaret Hansen of West Fargo, is charged with giving false information, harboring a runaway and hindering an investigation. Her grandson is the boyfriend of 13-year old Carlyse Ditch, who was reported missing by police Wednesday night. The 16-year boyfriend told investigators he last saw Ditch at his apartment earlier that day. Detectives searched the apartment and surrounding area's early Thanksgiving Day. Her coat, shoes and cellphone were left at her boyfriend's apartment.
Based on that information, the Red River Child Abduction Response Team was activated and as the search team of some 30 to 40 members assembled at West Fargo Police Headquarters, they learned Hansen had the girl and would turn her over to police. The teen was found and Hansen was taken into custody.
Sgt. Jason Dura tells KFGO News the girl made up a story about being abused by her parents and that's why Hansen agreed to hide her but later realized the situation "got out of hand" and determined she needed to turn Ditch over to authorities.