Texas authorities are asking the public to be on the lookout as the desperate search for an infant boy continues.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, 1-month-old Armaidre Antwan Marquie Argumon was last seen on the morning of September 18 in Wells, Texas, close to the 500 Block of Old Forest Road. The following day, authorities found the truck the baby was last seen in and detained his father, Deandre Argumon, for questioning.
On Tuesday, officials with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) confirmed that DeAndre Argumon was arrested and charged with endangering and/or abandoning a child. The suspect denied he had anything to do with the baby’s disappearance and reportedly said he gave Armaidre back to his mother.
The baby’s mother has not been named a suspect or person of interest in the case.
Authorities also said DeAndre Argumon was released from jail on September 15, after an arrest for a parole violation. He had known Armaidre for only three days before the baby vanished.
“Armaidre was seen with his father at 8:30 [a.m.] on September 18,” Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson said. “Since that day, Armaidre has not been seen. We do have Mr. DeAndre Argumon in custody for a related charge to this incident.”
Dickson added that the suspect has been uncooperative with investigators. Dickson is now asking the public to “be vigilant” and keep an eye out for anything out of place.
“Look for anything out of place, look for small fresh graves… just anything that would raise a suspicion. Do not touch it and please call local law enforcement.”
Anyone who saw Deandre Argumon on September 18 between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. should contact authorities immediately. He was driving a grey 2003 Ford Explorer and may have been in Wells or the surrounding areas.
“There is no information too small. We need everything we can get at this time,” Dickson said.
Dickson warned that if anyone is hiding the baby, they should come forward and return the infant to his mother immediately.
Meanwhile, Cherokee County Crime Stoppers is offering a “substantial” reward for anyone with information that leads to the Armaidre. Anyone with any information about the baby should contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 903-683-2271 or Crime Stoppers at 903-586-7867.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Amaidre Argumon/Police Handout]
