DUNNELLON, Fla. — September 26, 2025 — The community of Marion County is on high alert as authorities intensify their search for 17-year-old Caden Speight, who was shot and abducted Thursday afternoon in what officials are calling a critical Amber Alert case.
Caden’s last known words came in a desperate text to his mother:
“Mom, I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.”
Moments later, his phone was discovered broken in half near the scene, and he has not been seen or heard from since.
The Incident
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the abduction occurred around 4:00 p.m. on September 25, 2025, along the 12800 block of SW Highway 484, east of Dunnellon.
Caden had been driving his work truck when he was ambushed by four unidentified men described as possibly Hispanic. Investigators say the attackers opened fire, striking the teenager, before forcing him into a light-colored van and fleeing the scene.
Deputies later confirmed Caden’s vehicle had been hit by gunfire, and a major crime scene was established near 128th Avenue and SW 484, where his shattered phone and other evidence were recovered.
At the time of his disappearance, Caden was wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt.
Eyewitness Account Raises Leads
A UPS driver, Joshua Vowinkel, told Channel2 NOW he may have crossed paths with the suspects earlier that day.
Vowinkel reported delivering a package to 11795 SW Highway 484 around 1 p.m., where he observed four Hispanic men working on a roofing project with a white van nearby.
“They were on a lunch break, and when I greeted them, they responded aggressively in Spanish and gave me hostile looks,” Vowinkel said. He initially dismissed the encounter but reported it after learning about Caden’s disappearance.
According to Vowinkel, the property’s homeowner is identified as “Nika,” a detail now being reviewed by investigators.
Large-Scale Search Underway
Authorities have launched a multi-agency search effort, deploying both air and ground resources across Marion and Citrus counties.
- Aviation units are sweeping a 30-mile radius using grid-search patterns with overlapping circles.
- The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Bell 206A Jet Ranger helicopter, designed for search-and-rescue, is actively involved.
- Ground units, K-9 teams, and specialized search crews are combing wooded areas, waterways, and rural properties.
“This is a critical stage of the investigation,” said a sheriff’s spokesperson. “We believe Caden is alive but in danger, and every second counts.”
Community Urged to Stay Alert
Officials are urging residents across Marion County and surrounding areas to remain vigilant. Flyers with Caden’s photo are being distributed online and throughout the community.
Law enforcement stressed:
- If you spot Caden Speight, the light-colored van, or the four suspects, do not approach.
- Instead, call 911 immediately.
Tips can also be directed to:
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office: (352) 732-9111
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse: 1-888-FL-MISSING (1-888-356-4774)
A Family in Agony
For Caden’s family, the nightmare continues with each passing hour. His mother, Annie Speight, has been sharing his story in hopes that someone will come forward with information.
“This is not a runaway case,” investigators emphasized. “This is a violent kidnapping, and we need the public’s help to bring Caden home.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of Friday morning, no suspects have been named, and no arrests have been made. Investigators continue to treat the case as both a shooting and abduction, urging residents to take the Amber Alert seriously and share information widely.
For the people of Dunnellon, what began as a normal Thursday afternoon has now turned into a desperate search to save the life of a local teenager whose fate remains uncertain.
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