Florida Teen Arrested After Faking His Own Kidnapping and Blaming It on 4 Hispanic Men
OCALA, FLORIDA — A 17-year-old Marion County boy is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he staged his own kidnapping, lied about being shot, and falsely blamed the attack on four imaginary Hispanic men — a hoax that triggered an Amber Alert and a massive multi-agency search last month.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Caden Speight on Tuesday, saying the teenager’s elaborate deception diverted critical law enforcement resources and spread panic across the community.
Teen Claimed to Be Abducted and Shot
On September 25, Speight texted his mother, claiming he had been shot while driving along Southwest Highway 484 in Dunnellon. The message read:
“I need help. Being shot at. 4 Hispanics armed, white van, one driver. I’m hit.”
The alarming message prompted deputies to issue an Amber Alert and begin a full-scale search involving K-9 units, aviation support, and multiple law enforcement agencies.
Staged Crime Scene and False Trail
Investigators later found a truck registered to Speight’s father abandoned along Highway 484. Inside, deputies discovered a bullet hole in the windshield, traces of blood, and the teen’s damaged cellphone.
However, forensic analysis revealed the scene had been staged. Deputies say Speight had fired a shot through the windshield himself, spread his own blood around the vehicle, and smashed his phone to make it appear as though he’d been attacked and kidnapped.
Found With Gun and Bicycle
Speight was located around noon on September 26 in Williston, about 25 miles from the fake crime scene. Deputies said he was found with a bicycle and his father’s handgun — and had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg after allegedly shooting himself to keep up the illusion.
Surveillance footage showed the teen purchasing a bicycle, tent, and sleeping bag from Walmart shortly before he sent the alarming text message. Deputies also found bicycle tracks near the truck and an eyewitness who saw him riding away from the area.
“A Calculated and Dangerous Hoax”
Detectives later uncovered internet searches on Speight’s laptop, including queries on ChatGPT about how to collect blood without pain and questions about Mexican cartels.
Deputies say the teen had previously mentioned wanting to run away, but the extent of planning behind the staged kidnapping shocked even seasoned investigators.
Ocala resident Coddy Nagy, a former EMT and father, said he supports the arrest.
“Just analyzing the four Hispanics that were in the details, since that’s completely a hoax, it draws a different narrative,” Nagy said. “That kind of creativity could easily evolve into something more sociopathic or psychopathic.”
Facing Multiple Felony Charges
Speight now faces charges of presenting false evidence, shooting into a conveyance, filing a false report of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a minor.
The sheriff’s office said the fake abduction wasted significant time and manpower, pulling resources from other ongoing investigations and endangering public trust.
Authorities have not released a clear motive but said the case underscores the real-world consequences of false reporting and fabricated hate-driven narratives.
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