Florida Issues Amber Alert for 17-Year-Old Wounded in Marion County Shooting

DUNNELLON, Fla. — Florida law enforcement has issued an Amber Alert for a 17-year-old boy who disappeared Thursday after being wounded in a Marion County shooting.

Teen Missing After Shooting

The missing teen has been identified as Caden Speight of Dunnellon. Deputies say he was last seen in the 12800 block of SW Highway 484 around 4 p.m. Thursday.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Caden was driving a work truck when a group of unknown males opened fire. He was wounded in the shooting, but by the time deputies arrived, Caden was no longer at the scene.

Possible Abduction

Investigators believe Caden may be in the company of four unknown males, possibly Hispanic, who may be traveling in a light-colored van. Authorities have urged the public not to approach if they see the group but to call 911 immediately.

Family members shared on social media that they received a distressing message from Caden after the shooting, in which he asked for help and confirmed he had been shot.

Law Enforcement Urges Public Help

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who was in the area Thursday afternoon and may have seen suspicious activity to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 732-9111.

The Amber Alert remains active as deputies continue searching for Caden and the suspects involved.

Community members in Dunnellon have expressed fear and concern over the violent circumstances surrounding his disappearance, with many sharing the Amber Alert online to spread awareness.

Do you live near SW Highway 484 or the surrounding area? Share any updates or concerns you may have in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.