JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Police officers from multiple agencies searched retention ponds and wooded areas for a fifth day in the search for 21-month-old Lonzie Barton.
Barton disappeared Friday morning after his mother's boyfriend Ruben Ebron first reported that Barton was abducted.
Police said they no longer believe Ebron's story and believed he knows what happened to the toddler.
Action News Jax was there as officers in boats searched a retention pond behind the Best Buy on Southside Boulevard Tuesday afternoon.
Other crews were seen with K-9s searching through wooded areas near Fullerton Street off Southside Boulevard.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said police were led to these spots based on tips and information they have received and said every search has been strategic.
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Multiple people stopped by search sites to donate food and water to the officers.
"Our hearts really go out to them," Sean Crowley said.
Crowley donated food and water to the officers at the Avenues Walk Boulevard search site.
"I just felt like it's the least thing our family could do for them," Crowley said. "It's really hot out here."
Anthony Ventresca and his wife Roni donated food and even diapers as a symbol of hope that Barton is found safe.
"Let's get this child found and hopefully he's safe and not otherwise," Anthony Ventresca said.
"I just pray every night and day you know, you see that little smile," Roni Ventresca said.
More than 200 officers have been assisting in the search with many knocking on doors and gathering surveillance video from nearby businesses.
"You never give up hope," Janie Billing said. "Never."
Billing said as a parent and grandparent, she's still hoping for the best.
"The first thing I think of is prayer," Billing said. "What else can we do? I just pray that someone comes forward. Someone knows something."
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