Want to see more of NewsNation? Get 24/7 fact-based news coverage with the NewsNation app or add NewsNation as a preferred source on Google !

DUNNELLON, Fla. (WFLA) — The 17-year-old who staged his own abduction and caused a statewide AMBER Alert has been arrested, Florida deputies say.

On Sept. 25, 2025, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a supposed shooting scene after the teenager texted his family that he had been shot. Deputies located the teen’s truck, which had a bullet hole and blood in the windshield.

“Crime Scene Technicians observed a bullet hole through the windshield of the vehicle, suspected blood, [the teen’s] severely damaged cellphone, drag marks in the dirt, and bicycle tracks leading away from his truck,” the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said.

T

See Full Page