A teenager from Dunnellon, Florida, sent a message to his parents saying he had been kidnapped by four Hispanic men. After an investigation by authorities, they discovered that the alleged victim had fabricated the story and had gone camping. The teen shot himself in the leg to make his version more believable.
Sheriff Billy Woods of Marion County reported on the investigation conducted by his officers and detectives after receiving a call from the parents of 17-year-old Caden Rex Speight, who had been kidnapped in late September.
Amber Alert Issued as They Believed He Was in Danger
Authorities issued an Amber Alert, including the teen’s photo and physical description, so that the community could help locate him, as they believed he was in danger after his parents received a message in which he claimed to have been kidnapped by four Hispanic men.
Sheriff’s officers, the Aviation Unit, the Field Force Unit, the Mounted Unit, and volunteers joined the search for the teen. That’s when the investigation began. “Detectives obtained information and gathered evidence that does not support the initially reported facts.”
The Story Was Completely Fabricated
Sheriff Woods posted a video detailing the case results, “It was proven that the initial details Caden texted to his family were false. Completely fabricated,” he stated.
Detectives found that there was no evidence he had been kidnapped by four men or forced into a light-colored van. Through surveillance cameras, they saw that Caden was on a black bicycle he had purchased just before the incident was reported.
“Caden simply rode off toward Williston, while the rest of us had to assume the worst and my team worked at full speed to resolve this case,” said the sheriff.
He Shot Himself in the Leg
To make his story more dramatic and believable, the teen carried a gun and shot himself in the leg, an injury that was not life-threatening. He then walked along a street in Williston so citizens would see him and supposedly rescue him.
“There is ZERO chance that Caden’s gunshot wound came from any type of attacker,” Woods emphasized.
He Bought the Bicycle and Camping Supplies
Authorities discovered he had purchased the bicycle, a tent, and camping supplies before heading toward Williston.
“Many of you have asked: Will Caden face any charges? What about the cost to taxpayers for this large-scale investigation and search? I can tell you those elements are not off the table at this time,” the sheriff concluded.
For now, they are processing all the evidence in the case and will review it in detail before determining the next steps.
“My detectives had many questions for Caden; however, his parents refuse to allow them to speak with him.”
Sheriff Woods thanked everyone involved in the case, including officials, rescuers, and citizens.
Image: DiarioNY
