Florida Teen Safe After Farm-Truck Shooting Sparks Amber Alert

A 17-year-old Marion County farm boy who was the subject of a Florida Amber Alert has been found safe, according to emerging news reports. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday afternoon that Caden Rex Speight of Dunnellon was located in Williston, ending an overnight search that included an abandoned vehicle, gunfire, and fears of a kidnapping.

WTSP reported that deputies first began searching for Speight on Thursday after responding to reports of a shooting in the 12800 block of Southwest Highway 484 around 4:10 p.m. At the scene, investigators found a truck registered to the teenager, but he was missing. Initial witness information suggested that Speight had been kidnapped by four Hispanic men driving a light-colored van, leading authorities to issue a statewide Amber Alert that evening.

News of the Amber Alert and search efforts quickly spread across social media, where community members posted words of support. “Praying Caden will be found safe,” wrote Cindy Stamps Gossett. Others echoed that sentiment, with Ellen Thomas Cochran posting, “I can’t imagine! Prayers for this family!” and Summer Geisler Slaght adding, “Oh. My. Gosh. Pray he is found safe!”

By Friday morning, detectives announced that evidence collected at the scene did not support the abduction claims. Instead, investigators learned that Speight might have left the area on a black bicycle with a red-and-gray tent he had purchased earlier in the day at a Walmart in Ocala.

Speight was eventually found safe in Williston on Friday afternoon.

Sheriff Billy Woods released a statement supporting the urgency of the case and the extensive resources devoted to locating the missing teen.

“We respond to every 911 call with a determination to ensure justice is served and the truth revealed. But any law enforcement officer will tell you that when these calls involve juveniles, it takes on an even greater intensity,” Woods said. He also thanked citizens who provided tips that assisted detectives during the search.



While Speight’s discovery has undoubtedly brought relief, the sheriff’s office said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remains ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details but continue to encourage anyone with information about the case to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111.