Florida Amber Alert: Search Intensifies for Missing Teenager Caden Speight After Shooting Report
Authorities in Florida have issued an urgent Amber Alert for 17-year-old Caden Speight, a teenager from Marion County who disappeared under troubling circumstances. The alert was activated after Speight was last seen near the site of a reported shooting in Dunnellon, raising fears for his safety.
Who Is Caden Speight?
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Caden Speight is described as:
-
Age: 17
-
Height: 6 feet
-
Weight: 150 pounds
-
Hair: Brown
-
Eyes: Brown
-
Last seen wearing: Blue jeans and an unknown-colored t-shirt
Authorities say Speight was last spotted in the 12800 block of SW Highway 84 in Dunnellon, where deputies also responded to a shooting call. His vehicle was found at the scene, but there was no sign of the teenager.
Why the Amber Alert Matters
The Amber Alert system, launched in 1996, is a nationwide effort to rapidly spread information about missing children believed to be in danger.
-
Since its creation, the program has helped recover over 1,268 children across the United States (Department of Justice).
-
Florida alone has 2,197 missing persons, according to the National Institute of Justice.
This context highlights the urgent role Amber Alerts play in mobilizing communities to protect vulnerable children.
Possible Leads in the Case
Investigators have expressed concern that Speight may not be alone. According to reports shared with Fox News, detectives believe he could be traveling with four unidentified men in a van. Authorities are now working to trace these possible suspects and piece together what led to his disappearance.
Zach Moore, a spokesperson for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, explained:
“We’re still trying to figure out what happened to Caden, what caused this incident. The very most important thing is to find Caden.”
Community and Official Response
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children emphasized that Amber Alerts are only issued in the most serious child abduction cases, designed to instantly rally communities to aid in recovery efforts.
FDLE has urged the public not to approach Speight directly if spotted but instead to contact law enforcement immediately.
How to Help: Key Contact Information
Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward. If you have seen Caden Speight or know anything about his whereabouts, you are urged to contact:
| Contact | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Marion County Sheriff’s Office | 352-732-9111 |
| FDLE Missing Endangered Persons Clearinghouse | 1-888-FL-MISSING (1-888-356-4774) |
| Emergency | 911 |
