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Police in Clayton County are searching for 6-month-old Nnakai Pratt after what began as a reported armed robbery and kidnapping.
Monday morning, the baby’s father was arrested by police on unrelated charges and by the afternoon, police named him a suspect.
Antonio Pearce arrested
According to the Clayton County Police Department, officers were called to 100 Valley Hill Road in Riverdale around 8:18 a.m. Sunday after Antonio Pearce told police he had been robbed at gunpoint and that the suspects took his infant son, Nnakai, from a car seat carrier before fleeing. But detectives say Pearce’s story began to unravel.
Police said extensive searches involving bloodhounds from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and cadaver dogs from Georgia Piedmont Region K-9 Search and Rescue turned up no sign of Nnakai. Detectives also served multiple search warrants at locations believed to be connected to the case, but none yielded results.
On Monday, Clayton County officers broadened the search area, reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing neighborhoods for leads. Spaulding County’s LAWS (Land Air Water Search) team joined the effort, bringing in another cadaver dog.
Investigators have now named Pearce, 38, as a suspect in his son’s disappearance. He was booked into the Clayton County Jail early Monday on unrelated charges including marijuana distribution, driving with a suspended license, and a child restraint violation. Jail records show he is being held without bond.
Police used drones and searched wooded areas throughout the day, but by nightfall, there was still no sign of the infant.
Authorities have not said what evidence, outside Pearce’s inconsistent statements, led them to suspect foul play in the disappearance of 6-month-old Nnakai Pratt.
It is not clear if there actually was a robbery.
Investigators have not said if officers recovered the infant’s car seat or other belongings.
Baby Nnakai Pratt’s twin
Clayton County police said late Monday that Nnakai is a twin, but that his twin sibling was never missing and remains in the care of his mother.
Investigators determined the mother had no involvement in the disappearance of Nnakai.
Reaction to search for baby Nnakai Pratt
“Detectives became suspicious due to inconsistent testimony along with physical evidence that points to the existence of foul play,” Clayton County Police said in a statement. “At this moment, the facts surrounding the disappearance of baby Nnakai Pratt are highly questionable.”
Neighbors say the story never made sense. “If somebody broke into your house and ran off with your baby, your neighbors would have heard you screaming,” said one woman. “Why did you not run after the person?”
Residents described an intense police search across the complex on Monday. “I’ve seen them out here just searching,” said neighbor Meshia Sikes. “They’re actively going into the bushes. I’ve seen them looking into the trash can down there.”
“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,” Sikes said.
As the hours drag on, neighbors say their hope is fading. “It’s devastating,” said Tracy Karch, another neighbor. “For such a little child, helpless, I don’t think there’s going to be a good end to this. Everyone knows it.”
Sikes agreed, her voice heavy with emotion. “Unfortunately, I don’t,” she said. “Six-month-old, ain’t been seen since 7 o’clock yesterday. Unfortunately I don’t, and that’s the sad part — I don’t.”
Authorities said the investigation remains active and encouraged anyone with information about Nnakai’s whereabouts to call 911 or contact the Clayton County Police Department at 770-477-3550.
Clayton County police are continuing to investigate and have not announced any new leads in the search for Nnakai Pratt.
