Search for DeKalb 2-year-old who vanished continues after police confirm there was no kidnapping

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities are continuing the search for a two-year-old who disappeared Wednesday night.

DeKalb County police said Thursday morning they were looking for 2-year-old J’Asiah Deon Mitchell.

Police initially reported that Mitchell’s father, 23-year-old Artavious North, kidnapped him at gunpoint on Wednesday around 11:23 p.m. in the 3300 block of Flat Shoals Road.

East Point police are now assisting in the search.

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Channel 2′s Tyisha Fernandes spoke with the family Thursday. J’Asiah’s mother, Asia Mitchell, said her son was with his father when she got a call from the child’s father, who claimed he had been robbed and that the gunmen had taken the child.

“He’s only two. He doesn’t know what’s going on, just like I don’t know what’s going on. I’m just as confused as he is and he’s probably as scared as I am,” Asia Mitchell said.

Just after 8:15 p.m. Thursday, DeKalb police said they determined there was no kidnapping. According to police, North reported that someone took J’Asiah Mitchell from him as he was stopped at a stop sign.

During the investigation, police could not find signs of an armed robbery or kidnapping in DeKalb County. Police could not verify his story, arrested North and charged him with false statements and false report of a crime.

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The family will continue to look and said they’re hoping the police are actively investigating.

“If anybody sees him, just call 911. That’s all we asking,” family member Chris Douglas said.

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J’Asiah Mitchell was last seen wearing Buzz Lightyear pajamas. Police have not commented on suspects.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or 770-724-7850. The investigation remains ongoing.

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