March 20 (UPI) — Authorities in Tennessee are searching for a fired high school teacher and a 15-year-old female student, whom they believe he abducted a week ago.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Tad Cummins is wanted in the disappearance of Elizabeth Thomas, who was last seen in Columbia, Tenn., on March 13. Cummins, 50, has also disappeared.
According to authorities, the high school in Maury County, Tenn., fired Cummins after the two went missing and a search was launched for the girl.
“The individuals could be anywhere, and the TBI continues to urge national vigilance in the ongoing effort to locate the missing girl and apprehend her alleged abductor,” the bureau wrote in a news release Monday.
Investigators said they have received more than 450 leads so far. Cummins is believed to be armed and driving a silver Nissan Rogue.
“A warrant has been issued for Cummins for Sexual Contact with a Minor and Aggravated Kidnapping,” the TBI added. “Friday, the TBI added him to the state’s ‘Top 10 Most Wanted’ list. There is a $1,000 reward for information leading to his capture.”
Numerous Amber Alerts were issued for the teen and her former teacher. The TBI has released several photos and videos of Thomas and Cummins online.
