Man named person of interest in missing toddler

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are questioning a man who, they believe, is a person of interest in the case of a toddler who has not been seen for 18 months.

That person, police said, is 27-year-old Calvin Melvin Jr. He is being questioned in the disappearance of Dontrell Melvin, who is about 2 years old. He has not been seen since July 2011.

Police believe the last person to have seen the child is his father, Melvin Jr. "The mother has given an indication that she hasn't seen her child since July 2011, and she has questione the father on numerous occasions as to the whereabouts of the child," said Hallandale Beach Police Department Chief Dwayne Flournoy.

Last night, Child Protective Investigation Section went to Melvin Jr.'s home in Hallandale Beach on a negligence call. They then discovered that the child was not inside. Police then went to the grandparents' home where, according to Melvin Jr., he said the child was. The grandparents said they have not seen the child, however.

Police then went to Melvin Jr.'s home, but he was gone. He was then found hours after the story aired. "The father has always indicated that the child is with his mother, the child's grandparents in Pompano. We have learned that that is not true," said Flournoy.

Melvin Jr. has changed his story and said he dropped off the child at a Miami Gardens fire station utilizing the safe haven law. Police said records show that never occurred. "I don't think the child was dropped off at a fire station at Miami Gardens. No, I don't believe that," said Flournoy.

Police are hopeful on locating the child but believe he may be in danger.

No charges have been filed against Melvin Jr.

If you have any information on Calvin Melvin Jr.'s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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