Update 1 p.m. – Newest update: Caden has been located safe in Williston. The investigation continues.
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Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) detectives, Aviation Unit, Field Force Unit, and Mounted Unit, are continuing to search for Caden Rex Speight, who remains missing and is believed to be endangered. Through the initial investigation of the shooting reported in the 12800 block of SW Highway 484, around 4:10 p.m. yesterday, and Caden’s disappearance, detectives obtained information and collected evidence that are unsupportive of the initially reported facts.
Primarily, at this time, there is no evidence to indicate that he was taken by 4 Hispanic men in a light-colored van. It is possible that he left the incident location on a black bicycle with a red and grey tent, which he purchased at Walmart on SW 19th Avenue Road, in Ocala.
Since Caden is still a missing endangered juvenile, MSCO is asking anyone who may have seen a male matching his description with a dark-colored mountain bike and a tent to call 911.
“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,” said Sheriff Billy Woods. “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 into a different direction. I appreciate the many citizens who gave us tips and information to help my detectives. Understand, I will continue to have all of my available resources committed to locating this young man.”