Florida Sheriff: Caden Rex Speight Found Safe, Amber Alert Canceled

Update: Caden Rex Speight has been found safe.

OCALA, Florida – Authorities in Marion County are intensifying their search for 17-year-old Caden Rex Speight, who went missing following a reported shooting incident, but new evidence has cast doubt on the initial account of an abduction.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) issued an update on Facebook stating that detectives, along with the Aviation Unit, Field Force Unit, and Mounted Unit, continue to actively search for Speight, who is considered endangered.

The teen was last seen around 4:10 p.m. on September 25 in the 12800 block of SW Highway 484 in Dunnellon, wearing an unknown-colored T-shirt and blue jeans.

Initial reports suggested a shooting at the location and that Speight may have been taken by four Hispanic men in a light-colored van. However, after investigating the scene and gathering evidence, MCSO detectives found no support for these details. Instead, investigators now believe it is possible that Speight left the area voluntarily on a black bicycle, accompanied by a red and grey tent he had recently purchased at a Walmart on SW 19th Avenue Road in Ocala.

A Florida Amber Alert remains active for Speight, described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Search efforts overnight included K-9 units, and the public is urged to report any sightings of a male matching his description riding a dark-colored mountain bike with a tent. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 immediately.

Sheriff Billy Woods emphasized the department’s commitment to the case in a statement: “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. This case is no different.”

Woods added, “My deputies responded immediately, and I have dedicated all of my available resources to respond to this event. Initial information was later determined to be inaccurate; however, we always give everything we have until the investigation takes us into a different direction. I appreciate the many citizens who gave us tips and information to help my detectives. Understand, I will continue to have all of my available resources committed to locating this young man.”