‘Mom, I’m shot… 4 men… white van’: Did Florida teen Caden Speight vanish after sending this chilling text to his mother?

According to social media, authorities urgently began searching for 17-year-old Caden Speight in Marion County, Florida, after his mother received a chilling message: “Mom, I’m shot… 4 men… white van.” Speight vanished, but now, new details have emerged that suggest his disappearance is not what it seemed.

What happened to Caden Speight?

It all began when law enforcement reported Speight missing late Thursday night, September 25, 2025, after deputies responded to a scene that initially suggested a violent abduction. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) arrived at the 12800 block of SW Highway 484 in Dunnellon around 4 p.m. following reports of gunfire. Deputies found Speight’s vehicle damaged by what appeared to be a bullet hole, but not the teenager. They also found his phone smashed.

Social media reports that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) issued an Amber Alert after receiving this evidence and the distressing text message. The warnings stated that four unknown men, possibly Hispanic, were traveling with the wounded Speight in a light-colored van. One news outlet reported that Speight’s parents confirmed receiving a text from him.

The ‘MAGA hat’ and an evolving narrative

Since then, though, the MCSO has released an official update stating that the initial abduction story appears to be untrue. After processing evidence at the scene, investigators concluded that a shooting had not occurred. They also retracted the claim that four men in a van had taken Speight. Instead, law enforcement now suggests Speight left the area voluntarily, possibly on a black bicycle, carrying a red and grey tent.

While the text message remains unconfirmed by law enforcement, it has fueled speculation. One commenter asked: “See I’m a logical thinker and I want to know how he was able to send the text after being shot n being in the van with the 4 men?? Are they sure the ‘kidnappers’ didn’t send the text to send the parents/authorities on a wild goose chase?? Are there any more details…like where was Caden headed to, does the family have money if so maybe there will be a ransom or something ?? All in all I pray he’s found safe and unharmed.”

Social media posts have also claimed that Speight was wearing a red hat when he vanished, possibly a “Make America Great Again” cap. However, investigators have not confirmed that detail. None of the official Amber Alert descriptions references the hat or its design.

MCSO spokesperson Zach Moore confirmed the investigation was active, stating, “The very most important thing is to find Caden.” The search continues with Speight officially classified as an endangered missing juvenile due to his age.

Authorities describe Speight as six feet tall, about 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing a T-shirt and blue jeans. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Caden’s whereabouts to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office or the FDLE’s Missing Endangered Persons unit immediately.