AMBER Alert Continued For Elizabeth Thomas, 15; She Is Believed To Be With Teacher From Her School At Columbia, Tn.

  • Thursday, March 16, 2017
Officials of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said they remain "extremely concerned" for the well-being of Elizabeth Thomas, the victim in an ongoing AMBER Alerts in Tennessee and Alabama. Though the TBI cannot discuss specifics at this time, investigative efforts have revealed a troubling pattern of behavior by Tad Cummins, suggesting the 50-year-old may have been abusing his role as a teacher to groom this vulnerable young girl for some time in an effort to lure and potentially sexually exploit her, it was stated.

Elizabeth Thomas is a 15-year-old white female with blonde hair and hazel eyes.
She stands 5’5” and weighs 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing a flannel shirt and black leggings. She is believed to be in the custody of the 50-year-old Cummins, a white male, who stands 6’, 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 issuing the AMBER Alert at approximately 6 p.m. CST Tuesday, the TBI has received approximately 120 leads. None has produced any credible sightings about the whereabouts of either individual. Because of the low number of tips, the TBI has concluded the individuals are likely out of the view of the general public or outside the original net cast across the Southeast to notify the public about their disappearance. Having last been seen on Monday morning, the individuals could be anywhere, it was stated.

Ongoing investigative efforts indicate Elizabeth Thomas was last seen on Monday at approximately 8 a.m. at the Shoney’s in Columbia, Tn., after being dropped off there by a friend. Her parents reported her as missing later that same day. Investigators can place Thomas in Decatur, Ala., at approximately 3:06 CST on Monday afternoon, though neither individual has a known connection there and may have just been passing through the area.

The TBI has been able to develop the following timeline of the events placing Cummins and Ms. Thomas in the same vicinity just prior to their disappearance on Monday:

APPROXIMATELY 7:30-7:45 AM CST: A friend of Elizabeth Thomas dropped her off at the Shoney’s in Columbia.
8:32 AM CST: Surveillance video appears to show Tad Cummins at the nearby Shell station, fueling his Nissan Rogue.
12:41 PM CST: The Maury County Sheriff’s Department entered the child as ‘missing’ in NCIC, the nation’s law enforcement internal communications database.
3:06 PM CST: Information places Ms. Thomas in the area of Decatur, Ala.

Tuesday, March 14:
3:49 PM CST: The Maury County Sheriff’s Department officially requested an alert.
4:18 PM CST: TBI issued an Endangered Child Alert.
4:49 PM CST: The Maury County Sheriff’s Department secures the warrant for Cummins, charging him with one count of sexual contact with a minor.
5:53 PM CST: Due to the warrant being placed against Cummins, TBI upgraded its alert to an AMBER Alert.

On Wednesday, 22nd District Attorney General Brent Cooper confirmed the details of the incident for which Cummins now faces a charge is connected to an alleged interaction between Cummins and Ms. 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.

As part of its investigative work, the TBI continues to embark on an effort to understand the action of Cummins in the weeks leading up to the AMBER Alert. For example, the TBI has been able to determine Cummins secured a title loan for a personal vehicle and other personal effects several days before his disappearance, netting $4,500 in cash. To that end, the TBI would like to hear from anyone who may have had an interaction with either individual prior to their disappearance.

The TBI would urge 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.
Breaking News
New Hope Fire Department Disputes TWRA Report On Kayaker Rescues
  • 3/28/2024

New Hope Fire Department Corey Comstock disputed a report by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency about the rescue of 33 kayakers from extremely high winds near Nickajack Cave on Monday. ... more

Woman Dies After Being Seriously Injured In House Fire Thursday Afternoon
Woman Dies After Being Seriously Injured In House Fire Thursday Afternoon
  • 3/28/2024

A woman died after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a house fire on North Moore Road Thursday afternoon and was rescued by Chattanooga firefighters. Hamilton County 911 received a call ... more

Motorcyclist Hit Speeds Of 170 MPH; Posted Video Of Outrunning Police
Motorcyclist Hit Speeds Of 170 MPH; Posted Video Of Outrunning Police
  • 3/28/2024

A motorcyclist fled on Sunday, from a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempting to make a lawful stop on Highway 27. Since that time, the deputy has been working leads to identify the ... more