DURHAM, N.C. — A reported hostage situation in Durham turned into a missing persons case.

Police believed a 2-year-old child was being held hostage by his father, Marcus Thomas, at the Lynn Haven Apartments, located on Wadesboro Street in Durham.

Officials ended up firing tear gas canisters inside the apartment. When they went inside, no one was there. Authorities are currently looking for Thomas and his son.

Authorities told WRAL the incident stems from a domestic dispute Tuesday evening when Thomas and his wife, Shamicka James, were involved in a physical confrontation.

Around 3 p.m. Wednesday, James asked police to escort her to the apartment after work so she could pick up her child. When James and the police arrived, they could not find anyone in the apartment.

Later on, authorities reported hearing muffled voices in a back bedroom. They believed Thomas was there with his son and was armed. There were reports that shots were fired sometime in the area after 6 p.m., but authorities would not comment.

Residents at the apartment complex were evacuated for their safety. A warrant is out for Thomas' arrest on domestic violence charges.