Authorities in Georgia have announced that the father of a missing six-month-old boy is now a suspect in the child’s disappearance. This development was confirmed on Monday by Clayton County police.

According to a report by WSB-TV, law enforcement officials took 38-year-old Antonio Pearce into custody on unrelated charges amid an ongoing search for his missing son, Nnakai Pratt. This arrest follows an incident reported the previous day, in which Pearce claimed his son was abducted from his car seat during an armed robbery.

Investigators have since expressed doubts about Pearce’s account, citing “highly questionable” elements in his report from Sunday. Authorities suspect foul play may be involved in the baby’s disappearance.

In an interview with WSB-TV, a woman who identified herself as Pearce’s girlfriend stated she was unaware that he had a child. While police have questioned her, it remains unclear whether she is also being treated as a suspect.

Efforts to locate the missing infant have intensified, with WAGA reporting that officers are combing through wooded areas near the family’s apartment complex. Despite deploying bloodhounds and cadaver dogs in their search, the baby, who has a twin sibling, has yet to be found.

According to WXIA, police examined and seized an SUV that was parked at the scene.

Pearce — who is jailed without bond — is currently charged with marijuana possession, improper child restraint, and driving on a suspended license. He has not been charged in connection with his son’s ongoing disappearance.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Clayton County Police Department at 770-477-3550.

[Feature Photo: Clayton County police]