Missing Marion County teen safe, 'in good health,' deputies say

Missing Marion County teen found safe, unharmed

A missing 17-year-old in Marion County has been found safe and "in good health," less than 24 hours after an Amber Alert was issued regarding his disappearance. Initially, it was reported that the teenager had been shot and abducted by 4 men. That turned out not to be true. Deputies said the teen was spotted buying a bike from a Walmart in Ocala.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - A missing 17-year-old in Marion County has been found safe and "in good health," less than 24 hours after an Amber Alert was issued regarding his disappearance.

The teenager has been found safe and "in good health," according to Marion County Detective Paul Bloom. Detective Bloom was in the middle of a press conference with reporters on Friday afternoon when he was briefly pulled aside by someone who whispered something into his ear.

Moments later, he announced that the missing teenager had been found and in good health.

MCSO said the missing teenager was found in Williston, Florida, which is about 30 minutes north of Dunnellon. Detectives are now talking with him to better understand the circumstances of what happened, the sheriff's office said.

Officials said he bought a bike and a tent from a Walmart in Ocala.

Missing Marion co. teen found safe after Amber Alert

During a news conference addressing the updates with the investigation, Lt. Paul Bloom with the Marion County Sheriff's Office was told and relayed to reporters Caden Speight, the missing 17-year-old was found safe and in good health less than 24 hours after an Amber Alert was issued regarding his disappearance.

Timeline:

Thursday, Sept. 25

• 4PM | MCSO deputies responded to a shooting in the area of 12800 block of SW Highway 484. Deputies find the victim's vehicle, but not the victim.
• 8PM | An Amber Alert was issued for the missing 17-year-old. Officials searched by ground and air throughout the night.

Friday, Sept. 26

• MCSO said in an update that initial information about a potential kidnapping were unfounded, and that the missing teenager may have purchased a bike and a tent from a nearby Walmart.
• Later, MCSO said the 17-year-old had been found and "in good health."

Was there a shooting?

According to MCSO, yes, detectives did find evidence of a shooting, which is still under investigation. It's unclear if the missing 17-year-old was shot or hurt. MCSO has not released details on that.