Authorities continue search for missing baby

OCALA, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Authorities continue to search for a missing baby from Marion County, who may be in danger.  Gabriel Brown was last seen with his parents, Robert Brown Jr. and Brittany Wilson, about a week ago at a Walmart in Silver Springs.  Law enforcement says Gabriel’s parents are known drug users and there are warrants out for their arrests.  "He's awesome. He's very big and very smart. He's a good kid. [A] happy baby," Gabriel's grandfather, Robert Brown Sr., said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a statewide missing child alert for Gabriel this weekend. The baby was last seen with his parents, Robert Brown Jr. and Brittany Wilson, panhandling near a Marion County Walmart.  

"We know he's well taken care of," said Brown.   "I'm not worried about his safety. I'm worried about him going into 'the system,' and not be able to be back with his dad."

The Marion County Sheriff's Office said Gabriel's parents have warrants out for their arrest for burglary and criminal mischief, and that a judge issued a custody pick-up order for the Department of Children and Families on November 19.

Lauren Lettelier with the Marion County Sheriff's Office said,  "Our major crimes detectives have been involved, searching for the child to make sure that we check on the well-being of this child and return it to the custody of the Department of Children and families."

Despite the word of law enforcement, Gabriel's grandparents maintain that people have the wrong conception of what's really happening. "They're good parents,” the child's grandfather added.

Gabriel's grandparents just want him and their son home  "Come home. Let's Take care of this. So we don't lose Gabe, too,” his grandmother said.

If you've seen them, call 911 or the Marion County Sheriff's Office.