Police in Florida say that a teenager thought to have been abducted by four Hispanic men actually staged his disappearance in an elaborate hoax.
The ruse began on September 25, around 4 p.m., when police say they received information that Caden Speight, 17, had been abducted and that a gun had been fired during the abduction. According to police, Speight actually shot himself in the leg as part of the hoax.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods announced in a video on social media that the "details Caden texted to his family, were proven to be false. Completely made up."
Woods said that Speight, who was eventually found, purchased a tent, bicycle, and camping supplies from Walmart before abandoning his vehicle. Police released images of Speight with the bike.
"Caden simply rode away towards Williston while the rest of us were left to think the worst and my team was working in overdrive to solve this case," Woods said.
Woods said that there were red flags with the initial report, but police had to take it seriously and investigate until they could determine what had happened.
"We did find evidence of a single gunshot where Caden left his truck. However, his claims that he had been shot and abducted were quickly disproven," Woods said.
Woods said Speight shot himself in the leg, creating a non-lethal injury just prior to him walking out to a roadway in Williston where he was found by citizens.
"There is zero chance that Caden's gunshot wound came from any type of assailant," Woods said. "Many of you have asked, 'Will Caden be facing any charges?' 'What about the taxpayer cost of this large-scale investigation and search?' I can tell you those items are not off the table at this point."
Woods said that the police investigation into the case is continuing.
"Naturally, my detectives had a lot of questions for Caden; however, his parents refused to allow my detectives to speak with him," Woods said.
