The Clayton County Police Department cast doubt on the father’s narrative, citing inconsistencies in his testimony and the presence of physical evidence suggesting foul play. “As the investigation into the missing child advanced, detectives became suspicious due to inconsistent testimony along with physical evidence that points to the existence of foul play,” the department stated in a press release issued on Monday.

Pearce, who resides in Riverdale, contacted the police early Sunday morning, around 8:18 a.m., reporting that his son had been abducted during a robbery at gunpoint. According to Pearce, his son was taken while in a car seat carrier by several individuals who then escaped in an unknown direction, as detailed in the police release.

However, Pearce’s story reportedly began to fall apart during police questioning. Subsequently, he was arrested on separate charges, including allegations of marijuana distribution and a violation related to child restraint requirements.

Pearce’s story allegedly unraveled while he was being questioned by police and he was taken into custody for unrelated charges, including marijuana distribution and a child restraint violation.

“At this moment, the facts surrounding the disappearance of baby Nnakai Pratt are highly questionable, and CCPD Detectives have deemed Nnakai Pratt’s father to be a suspect in his sudden disappearance,” the CCPD release says.

Searches have been conducted at Pearce’s apartment complex and in nearby wooded areas, yet they’ve revealed “no findings,” according to cops. K-9 search and rescue teams have been deployed, to no avail.

“Several search warrants have been served at locations CCPD Detectives believe are relevant to this case,” CCPD officials allege. “However, those did not yield baby Pratt’s location either.”

Nnakai, who was still missing as of Tuesday afternoon, reportedly has a twin sibling who is safe and with their mother. A car near Pearce’s home has been taken away by police and is being probed by investigators.

“I’ve seen them out here just searching,” neighbor Meshia Sikes told local Fox affiliate WAGA.

“They’re actively going into the bushes. I’ve seen them looking into the trash can down there,” Sikes said. “This is also disturbing to have and keep waking up, to see we’re still looking for a 6-month baby that can’t fend for himself.”

Tracy Karch, another neighbor, told WAGA, “For such a little child, helpless, I don’t think there’s going to be a good end to this. Everyone knows it.”

A woman who is connected to Pearce was reportedly taken into custody and questioned over Nnakai’s disappearance, but has not been arrested or charged. Pearce is being held without bond for the unrelated charges.