Crime
Latest development in Caden Speight Amber Alert: Located safe in Williston
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 texted his mother, Annie Speight, on the afternoon of Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Moments later, Caden’s phone was discovered broken in half, and he has not been seen or heard from since.
Authorities say this is not a case of a runaway. Instead, it is being treated as an active abduction and Amber Alert case, prompting a large-scale, multi-agency search effort.
- Last Known Location: 12800 block of SW Highway 484, east of Dunnellon, Florida
- Last Seen: September 25, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m.
- Clothing Description: T-shirt and blue jeans
- Suspects: Four unidentified Hispanic males in a light-colored van
- Final Text Message: “I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.”
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, investigators believe Caden was shot and abducted while driving his truck in the area.
Deputies confirmed the vehicle appeared to have been struck by gunfire.
A UPS driver, Joshua Vowinkel, told Channel2 NOW that he delivered a package to 11795 SW Highway 484 around 1 p.m. the same day. He reported seeing four Hispanic men working on a roofing job at the property with a white van parked nearby.
Vowinkel stated the men were on a lunch break and responded aggressively in Spanish when he greeted them, giving him hostile looks.
He added that he initially dismissed the encounter until learning of the investigation.
According to Vowinkel, the homeowner’s name is Nika, and he hopes this information will aid authorities.
This video is from one day ago in Ocala and you can see Hispanic males and the white van.
A major crime scene has been established near 128th Avenue and SW 484, where investigators recovered Caden’s broken phone and other evidence.
Law enforcement agencies have since mobilized a massive search operation spanning multiple counties.
Aviation units from Marion County and Citrus County Sheriff’s Offices are conducting aerial sweeps using grid-search patterns — overlapping circles approximately one mile apart — covering a 30-mile radius.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has deployed its Bell 206A Jet Ranger helicopter, which is specifically outfitted for search-and-rescue operations.
On the ground, deputies, specialized search teams, and K-9 units are combing wooded areas, rivers, and ditches.
Authorities stress that this is a critical stage of the investigation and community support is urgently needed.
Residents are asked to continue sharing Caden’s missing person flyer and report any potential tips without delay.
If you spot Caden Speight, the suspects, or the light-colored van, do not approach. Call 911 immediately.
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office: (352) 732-9111
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): 1-888-FL-MISSING (1-888-356-4774)
This remains an active and ongoing Amber Alert investigation, and law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain alert and 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.