Net widens in search for Tennessee Amber Alert teen

NASHVILLE, Tn. (WTVQ) – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations says they believe a 15-year-old teenage girl and her suspected captor may have eluded the scope of their initial investigation – meaning the two could be anywhere.

According to officials, Elizabeth Thomas may be in the custody of 50-year-old Tad Cummins, who they believe may have abused his role as a teacher in order to lure and sexually exploit the young girl.  Thomas was last seen on Monday morning at about 8:00 a.m. at the Shoney’s restaurant in Columbia, Tennessee, after being dropped off there by a friend.

Thomas is a 15-year-old white female, with blonde hair, hazel eyes, stands 5’5” and weighs 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing a flannel shirt and black leggings.

Tad Cummins (Photo Courtesy: Tennessee Bureau of Investigations)

Tad Cummins stands 6’0”, weighs approximately 200 pounds, and has brown hair and eyes. He is believe to be armed with two handguns and driving a silver Nissan Rogue with Tennessee tag 976-ZPT. A warrant has been issued for Cummins for Sexual Contact with a Minor.

Since her disappearance, investigators have been able to place Thomas in Decatur, Alabama at approximately 3:06 p.m. on Monday afternoon, but the trail since then has gone cold.

Cummins now faces a charge connected to an alleged interaction between he and Thomas at the school where he taught and where she was a student. The school district suspended Cummins when the allegations surfaced and terminated his employment Tuesday.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that may prove beneficial in the ongoing search to 1-800-TBI-FIND. If you spot the vehicle and can verify the license plate to be TN 976-ZPT, call 911.