Police arrest father of missing child

File photo of suspect Ricky Doodhnaught. HANDOUT

York Regional police have arrested 31-year-old Ricky Doodhnaught, the father of a missing infant and are now pleading for the public’s help in locating the baby.

“The residence where we located Ricky this evening was checked, and there was no sign of any child living at that residence, and the whereabouts of George Doodhnaught is still unknown,” said Det. Sgt. Larry Wilson. “We are pleading to the public or any other family members who may have possession of George Doodhnaught and we’re asking for them to contact police.”

Doodhnaught allegedly fled with his then nine-week old son, George, before Children’s Aid Society (CAS) could take him.

Homicide detectives took over the case, saying they feared for the boy's safety, but had no evidence suggesting he had been killed.

“[The homicide unit] also investigates missing persons where there is a strong suspicion of foul play,” Wilson said.

Police found Doodhnaught's car in Toronto's west end over the weekend.

He is now facing a charge of abduction in contravention of a custody order and two unrelated charges of theft under $5,000.

On Nov. 24, police and CAS case workers went to the man’s home in Vaughan to apprehend two children under a court order. The pair fled to a hotel where the mother was arrested on unrelated charges and one child was taken into CAS custody. But Doodhnaught escaped.

The couple’s second child George — who was in the care of a doctor as recently as Oct. 31 — was then declared missing.

Police say Doodhnaught is not cooperating with the investigation.

“In my eyes, he’s showing no remorse...he’s given us no information,” said Wilson.

Officers recently learned Doodhnaught’s family had not been caring for George.

Police say two of Doodhnaught’s relatives have also been charged in connection with this case. His aunt Rita Nankalie, 50, and cousin Victoria Munian, 21 are both facing a charge of obstruction of justice.

Doodhnaught will be appearing in court Wednesday.