Florida teen accused of faking abduction, shooting himself
Marion County officials say 17‑year‑old Caden Speight falsely claimed he had been shot and abducted on Sept. 25, 2025 — triggering an Amber Alert and a large multi‑unit search — before leaving on a bicycle with newly purchased camping gear and later shooting himself in the leg in Williston, where citizens found him safe. Sheriff Billy Woods said investigators disproved the abduction claims, found evidence of a single self‑inflicted gunshot wound that was non‑life‑threatening, and are reviewing whether to bring charges while noting Speight’s parents have so far refused detectives’ requests to interview him.
Crime
Public Safety
🔍 Key Facts
- Date/location: Disappearance and Amber Alert on Sept. 25, 2025 in Marion County, Florida; teen found in Williston.
- Official: Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods publicly stated the abduction and shooting claims were fabricated.
- Incident details: An Amber Alert and multi‑unit search were launched; Speight purchased a bicycle, tent and camping gear at a Walmart in Ocala and later shot himself in the leg (non‑life‑threatening).
📍 Contextual Background
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executes search warrants at residences and family homes as part of criminal investigations.
- Federal prosecutors commonly resolve federal criminal charges through plea agreements, which typically result in a sentence below the statutory maximum.
- Law enforcement agencies respond to active shooter incidents and may engage and neutralize suspects at the scene.