Crime
Missing Caden Speight lied to his mother, No evidence of kidnapping by Hispanic men
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has clarified details in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 17-year-old Caden Rex Speight, who remains missing and classified as an endangered juvenile.
Early reports suggested that Caden had been abducted after his mother, Annie Speight, received a chilling text message on September 25 reading: “Mom, I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.” That message sparked an Amber Alert and a large-scale, multi-agency search effort.
However, after reviewing evidence and information collected from the scene, detectives say those initial claims could not be corroborated.
At this time, there is no evidence to indicate that Caden was abducted by four Hispanic men in a light-colored van.
Instead, the investigation has revealed that Caden may have left the area voluntarily.
Authorities believe he departed the location of the reported shooting on a dark-colored mountain bike, carrying a red and gray tent that he had purchased earlier that same day at a Walmart on SW 19th Avenue Road in Ocala.
Despite the false abduction report, MCSO emphasizes that Caden is still missing and considered endangered. Multiple divisions — including Detectives, the Aviation Unit, Field Force Unit, and Mounted Unit — remain fully engaged in the search effort.
Sheriff Billy Woods addressed the development in a public 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. 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 locating this young man.”
Authorities are now asking the public to remain vigilant and to assist in the search.
Anyone who sees an individual matching Caden’s description — especially someone traveling on a dark-colored bicycle and carrying camping gear — is urged not to approach, but to call 911 immediately.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.