Crime
Amber Alert Canceled: Missing 17-year-old Caden Speight Found Safe
UPDATE: The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has confirmed that 17-year-old Caden Rex Speight has been located safe in Williston.
Authorities state that this remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Earlier, MCSO reported that deputies, along with the Aviation Unit, Field Force Unit, and Mounted Unit, had been actively searching for Caden, who was considered missing and endangered following an incident reported around 4:10 p.m. on September 25 in the 12800 block of SW Highway 484.
During the initial stages of the investigation, Caden’s disappearance was linked to reports of a shooting and a possible abduction involving four Hispanic males in a light-colored van.
However, detectives later determined that the evidence did not support those claims. Instead, investigators developed information indicating that Caden may have left the area on a dark-colored mountain bike, carrying a red and gray tent that he had purchased earlier the same day at a Walmart on SW 19th Avenue Road in Ocala.
Sheriff Billy Woods emphasized the agency’s continued commitment to uncovering the facts and ensuring Caden’s safety:
“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. 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 in a different direction. I appreciate the many citizens who provided tips and information to assist my detectives. Please know, I will continue to have all of my available resources committed to ensuring this young man’s safety.”
The Sheriff’s Office has thanked the public for their assistance and stressed that while Caden has been found safe, the circumstances surrounding the case remain under investigation.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
“Mom, I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.” Those were the chilling final words 17-year-old Caden Speight sent in a text message to his mother, Annie Speight, on the afternoon of Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Moments later, Caden’s phone was discovered broken in half.
Since then, he has not been seen or heard from, and authorities say this is not a case of a runaway but an active abduction and Amber Alert that has triggered an intensive multi-agency search effort.
Last Known Location: 12800 block of SW Highway 484, east of Dunnellon, Florida
Last Seen: September 25, 2025, around 4:00 p.m.
Clothing Description: T-shirt and blue jeans
Suspects: Four unidentified Hispanic males traveling in a light-colored van
Final Text: “I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.”
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies believe Caden was shot and abducted by the suspects after he was last seen driving his truck in the area.
Authorities told Channel2 NOW that the truck was hit with a bullet.
Joshua Vowinkel told Channel2 NOW that he is the UPS driver who serviced the area earlier today. He reported making a delivery at 11795 SW Highway 484 around 1 p.m. During his stop, he observed four Hispanic men working on a roofing job at the property, along with a white van present at the scene.
According to Vo, the men were on a lunch break at the time and responded to his greeting with aggressive remarks in Spanish while giving him hostile looks. He stated he did not think much of the interaction until learning about the ongoing investigation.
Vo added that the homeowner’s name is Nika and hopes this information will assist authorities.
A large crime scene has been established near 128th Avenue and SW 484, where investigators recovered the damaged phone and are processing evidence connected to the abduction.
Law enforcement agencies have launched a massive search operation spanning multiple counties.
Both Marion County and Citrus County Sheriff’s Office aviation units are conducting aerial sweeps using grid-search patterns — slow, overlapping flight paths about one mile apart — covering a 30-mile radius.
Marion County has deployed its Bell 206A Jet Ranger helicopter, specifically equipped for search-and-rescue missions. On the ground, search teams with K-9 units are combing through wooded areas, rivers, and ditches.
Authorities emphasize that this is a critical stage of the investigation, and public assistance is urgently needed.
Community members are urged to continue sharing Caden’s missing person flyer and to report any tips or sightings immediately.
If you see Caden Speight, the suspects, or the vehicle believed to be involved, DO NOT APPROACH. Call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact:
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office: (352) 732-9111
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): 1-888-FL-MISSING (1-888-356-4774)
This is an active and ongoing Amber Alert investigation, and authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.