Tad Cummins, the 50-year-old man wanted for kidnapping 15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas, was possibly spotted in Texas; however, officials said they cannot substantiate that information and there have been no credible witnesses in that area.
A caller in Texas contacted officials in Tennessee Thursday saying they saw what they believed was the vehicle authorities have been searching for on U.S. Highway 191 in North Beach, located in Corpus Christi.
According to officials in Corpus Christi, they received information about the call and were dispatched to search that area after 12:30 p.m. Thursday.
After searching and thoroughly checking the area for leads, they have not been able to substantiate the information.
They added that with all AMBER ALERTS, tips are fielded through call centers, with each tip being thoroughly investigated.
Josh DeVine with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation later confirmed the sightings were not confirmed.
A lot of rumors about TX today. That was just law enforcement checking in on a possible lead. There have been no confirmed sightings. 1/2
— Josh DeVine (@TBIJoshDeVine) March 24, 2017
Authorities said they’ve been looking for a silver Nissan Rogue with license plate 976ZPT.
Officials in North Beach said the call indicated they had seen an SUV with a plate that possibly matched or partially matched.
Cummins taught at Culleoka Unit School where Thomas goes to school. He was terminated on Tuesday, March 14. TBI agents said a troubling pattern of behavior indicated that Cummins planned the alleged abduction and feared the two could be anywhere in the country.
Authorities said Thomas could be in imminent danger. Cummins was said to be armed and dangerous.
Cummins has been facing charges of sexual contact with a minor and kidnapping. He has been added to the TBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted list.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463).
Elizabeth's family released a statement earlier Thursday. To read it in its entirety, click here.
