MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida AMBER Alert has been issued for 17-year-old Caden Speight following his violent kidnapping in a rural area of Marion County. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is leading a massive, multi-agency search for the teen, who was reportedly shot and then abducted by four armed men. The situation is considered extremely dangerous, and authorities are pleading with the public for help.

The terrifying ordeal began to unfold after Caden’s mother, Frances Rodriguez, received a message from her son stating that he was being kidnapped by four unknown Hispanic males. Law enforcement was immediately dispatched, locating the teen’s truck at a now-sprawling crime scene, but Caden was gone.

A law enforcement helicopter is circling the skies over the Dunnellon area as deputies on the ground follow up on every possible lead in a desperate race against time. The suspects are considered armed and dangerous, and authorities are warning the public not to approach them if they are spotted.

CRITICAL ALERT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

This is an active and dangerous situation. Please familiarize yourself with the following information immediately.

• VICTIM: Caden Speight
  • Age: 17 years old
  • Race: White Male
  • Height: 6 feet tall
  • Weight: 150 pounds
  • Hair: Brown
  • Eyes: Brown
• VICTIM’S CLOTHING:
  • An unknown-colored T-shirt
  • Blue jeans
• SUSPECTS:
  • Four unknown males, possibly Hispanic.
  • They are considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
• SUSPECT VEHICLE:
  • May be traveling in a light-colored van.
• LAST KNOWN LOCATION:
  • 12800 block of Southwest Highway 484 in Dunnellon, Florida.
• PUBLIC INSTRUCTIONS:
  • IF YOU SEE CADEN, THE SUSPECTS, OR THE VEHICLE, DO NOT APPROACH.
  • CALL 911 OR THE MARION COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AT 352-732-9111 IMMEDIATELY.

A Mother’s Worst Nightmare: The Final Message

The first indication of the horrifying events came in the form of a message that no parent should ever have to receive. Caden Speight was able to send a message to his mother, Frances Rodriguez, telling her that he was being kidnapped. That message triggered the massive law enforcement response and set off a desperate search.

The personal and terrifying nature of that final communication underscores the gravity of the situation. Caden knew he was in extreme danger and, in his final moments of freedom, reached out to his mother for help. His family is understandably distraught and is cooperating fully with law enforcement, pleading for his safe return.

The Crime Scene: A “Massive” Investigation on Highway 484

The center of the investigation is a large and active crime scene at the intersection of Southwest 128th Avenue and Southwest Highway 484, just east of Dunnellon. Caden’s truck was discovered abandoned at this location, evidence of the violent struggle that took place there.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has closed off the area to all traffic as forensics teams meticulously comb the scene for any evidence—shell casings, fingerprints, or anything that could lead them to the suspects. The detail that Caden was shot before being kidnapped elevates this case to the highest level of urgency and indicates the suspects’ extreme propensity for violence.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office helicopter has been seen circling overhead, providing an aerial view of the vast, rural landscape as deputies on the ground conduct a grid search and interview potential witnesses in the sparsely populated area. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which is responsible for issuing AMBER Alerts, is working in close coordination with local authorities.

The Search Is On: A Race Against Time

The issuance of a Florida AMBER Alert has activated a statewide notification system. The alert is being broadcast on highway message boards, sent to the mobile phones of residents in the region, and aired on television and radio stations. This system turns every citizen into a potential lookout, which is often the key to a successful recovery in abduction cases.

The search is focused on locating the light-colored van that the armed suspects may be using. Law enforcement agencies in neighboring counties—including Levy, Citrus, and Alachua—have been notified and are on high alert, watching for any sign of the vehicle or the suspects.

Every moment is critical in a child abduction case. The first few hours are the most vital, and the search for Caden Speight is proceeding with the urgency that this life-or-death situation demands.

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How the Public Can Help: A Guide to Safe and Effective Action

 

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is relying on the public to be its eyes and ears. If you live in or are traveling through Central Florida, here is what you can do:

1. Be on the Lookout: Constantly scan your surroundings for Caden, the suspects, or the light-colored van described in the alert. Memorize the descriptions.
2. The Importance of “DO NOT APPROACH”: This cannot be overstated. The suspects are armed and have already demonstrated extreme violence by shooting and kidnapping a teenager. Any attempt to confront them could be fatal. The single most important action you can take is to be a good witness from a safe distance.
3. Provide Detailed Information: If you spot them, immediately call 911. Provide the operator with as much detail as you can safely gather:
   • Your exact location.
   • The location and direction of travel of the suspects or their vehicle.
   • A license plate number, if possible.
   • A detailed description of the suspects and their vehicle.
   • Any other information that could be relevant.
4. Report All Tips: No piece of information is too small. If you know anything about the whereabouts of Caden Speight or have any information related to this case, please contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111 or call 911.

The life of a 17-year-old boy is on the line. The community’s vigilance and cooperation are essential to bringing him home safely. Please share this information widely.