BURKE COUNTY, N.C. -- A Burke County man remains missing after the sheriff says he was kidnapped and a ransom call was made. The kidnapper is now behind bars.

The father of Carlton Lamaar Edmondson says he just wants his son to come home.

Robert Pearson says his son called him on Friday and was afraid for his life.

A man got on the phone and demanded $700. When Pearson said he didn’t have the money, the man hung up.

Now, Pearson is afraid of where his son may be.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office searched for Edmondson and found the suspect, Robert Littleton, in Mountain City, Tennessee.

Littleton is now behind bars but Edmondson has not been found.

According to the sheriff's office, Littleton admitted taking Edmondson, beating him and leaving him in a deserted area in Tennessee.

Now both the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and the Burke County Sheriff's Office are investigating.

Pearson says he just wants to know his son is okay

“It's very hard for us when you can't sleep at night, when you can barely eat, when you are wondering where your child is… if he needs help, if he’s hurt and can’t find help,” said Pearson. “He’s lost and we are hoping he will be found. He’s hurt and I know he’s strong.”

Pearson is asking if anyone knows where Edmondson is to please come forward and contact authorities.