JUST IN: Police Share Major Update On Florida Teen Feared Kidnapped

Florida authorities on Friday provided a crucial update on the whereabouts of a Florida teen who they feared was kidnapped from his car while wearing a red Make America Great Again hat.

In a statement, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office called the conclusion that four Hispanic individuals made off with 17-year-old Caden Speight “unfounded.” The announcement comes after witnesses reported Speight being in the vicinity of four individuals who appeared Hispanic in ethnicity, and evidence of gunfire was found on the boy’s abandoned car.

Nor is there evidence to suggest that Speight was wearing the red hat synonymous with President Donald Trump, the office stated, calling the suggestion also “unfounded.”

“Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) detectives, Aviation Unit, Field Force Unit, and Mounted Unit, are continuing to search for Caden Rex Speight, who remains missing and is believed to be endangered. Through the initial investigation of the shooting reported in the 12800 block of SW Highway 484, around 4:10 p.m. yesterday, and Caden’s disappearance, detectives obtained information and collected evidence that are unsupportive of the initially reported facts,” the release reveals.

Investigators reported: “Primarily, at this time, there is no evidence to indicate that he was taken by 4 Hispanic men in a light-colored van. It is possible that he left the incident location on a black bicycle with a red and grey tent, which he purchased at Walmart on SW 19th Avenue Road, in Ocala, just prior to this incident being reported.”

The update comes after Florida’s statewide law enforcement arm issued an amber alert for Speight, who was seen on camera riding a bicycle while wearing a dark-colored t-shirt and blue jeans, according to photos released by the MCSO.

Authorities urged the public to call 911 if they spot anyone who appears to match Speight’s description. He is described as 6′ tall and about 150 pounds.

“We respond to every 911 call with a determination to ensure justice is served and the truth revealed. But any law-enforcement officer will tell you that when these calls involve juveniles, it takes on an even greater intensity. This case is no different,” said Sheriff Billy Woods.

“My deputies responded immediately, and I have dedicated all of my available resources to respond to this event. Initial information was later determined to be inaccurate; however, we always give everything we have until the investigation takes us into a different direction. I appreciate the many citizens who gave us tips and information to help my detectives. Understand, I will continue to have all of my available resources committed to locating this young man.'”

Initial reports about the missing teen underscore the breakneck speed at which news travels in the modern age as authorities contend with a 24-hour news cycle, grasping at online declarations, especially on social media, purporting to provide information.

Members of the MCSO and Florida State Police spent Thursday night scouring the area around Marion County Airport, with no sign of Speight. Hospital records do not list a victim matching his description, authorities told The Ocala StarBanner.