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The frantic search for a Florida teenager was abruptly stopped as evidence emerged that his disappearance may have been a hoax.
Caden Speight was reported missing on the afternoon of September 25.
The 17-year-old was initially believed to have been shot and kidnapped by four Hispanic men who'd taken him in their van.
Police investigated the spot where Speight was last seen in Marion County, Florida and found evidence of gun violence as well as the teen's abandoned car and his cell phone.
But further investigation revealed that his disappearance may have been entirely fabricated.
Police found footage of Speight stopping at several stores before his disappearance was reported. He even purchased a tent, a sleeping bag, and a bike from a nearby Walmart.
Police said he left the store on his new bike, having abandoned his truck.
He was found 'alive and well' on September 26.
According to Click Orlando, Lieutenant Paul Bloom said: 'What we learned through that investigation is that the shooting or the abduction by some folks in a van that was unfounded.
'We’ve not been able to verify that at all and in fact, confirmed just the opposite.'
Speight may face charges if his reported disappearance is confirmed as a 'deliberate hoax.'
In Florida, knowingly filing a false report can be a first-degree misdemeanor or a second or third degree felony.
An AMBER alert was sent out to aid with his rescue and his disappearance triggered a multi-agency search, including a police helicopter that searched for Speight all night, according to The Independent.
The Uvalde Foundation for Kids allocated their services, as well, offering a $5,000 reward and sending out representatives to search parks, restaurants, and gas stations.
They formally withdrew all of their resources, according to Local 10.
Amidst the search, Speight's family issued an urgent plea to find him.
His sister wrote in a since deleted Facebook post: 'God I just want him home. I can’t sleep eat or do anything not knowing where he is and if he is safe. Please don’t stop searching or looking.
'There is still little to no information on what happened or where he could be. I don’t understand why this has happened. Just bring him home.'
It remains unclear what prompted the fabricated disappearance.
Bloom said: 'We want to look into this and see what the cause is. What was his plan? What was the reason?
'So as we further that and go deep, a deeper dive on that, we’re going to where we can let you know.'