Ocala man credited with helping deputies locate SUV during Amber Alert search in Belleview

BELLEVIEW, Fla. (WCJB) - An Ocala man credited with helping Marion County deputies during an Amber Alert search said he was “in the right place at the right time” — and took precautions to avoid putting himself or the teen in danger.

Daniel Cosby said he was getting gas Monday evening along U.S. 441 in Belleview when he received the Amber Alert.

He said he looked at the photos of the missing 13-year-old girl and 45-year-old Jason Castillo, who deputies said kidnapped her, and shared the alert with his father in Gainesville.

RELATED: Suspect dead after Amber Alert issued in Marion County; 13-year-old girl found safe

Cosby said he had just pulled out of the gas station and was stopped at a red light when he noticed an SUV matching the description.

He said he cross-checked the license plate, realized it was a match and immediately called the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

He then followed the vehicle for several miles at a safe distance until deputies intercepted Castillo, Cosby said.

“The way I handled it, I believe I did the best that I could without interjecting and putting myself into danger and without endangering that child,” Cosby said. “Get as much information as you can. Don’t inject yourself into the actual situation but be aware of what’s going on. Keep a safe distance … and let law enforcement do what they were trained to do.”

Marion County Sheriff’s Office officials confirmed Castillo later died at a hospital. Officials said Castillo was the ex-boyfriend of the girl’s mother.

RELATED: Dashcam video shows Amber Alert kidnapping suspect point gun at Marion County deputies

As for the 13-year-old, nearby residents said Monday they saw the girl getting into an ambulance on her own.

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