NASHVILLE — Authorities say a 15-year-old Tennessee girl who disappeared with her teacher last month has been found safe in California and the teacher has been arrested.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation tweeted Thursday that 50-year-old teacher Tad Cummins had been taken into custody. The agency said it would provide more details in a press conference later.
Elizabeth Thomas disappeared from her home near Columbia on March 13. Columbia is about 45 miles (70 kilometres) south of Nashville.
The disappearance of the pair was particularly disturbing after it was revealed that the school was investigating Cummins after a student reported the married teacher kiss the girl at school.
From all of us at TBI… pic.twitter.com/ofJALprQUq
— TBI (@TBInvestigation) April 20, 2017
Court papers filed recently in the girl’s disappearance say she was afraid of the teacher and thought she would face repercussions at school if she resisted him.
Shortly after they disappeared, they were spotted by security cameras at an Oklahoma City Walmart purchasing food with cash, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. It appeared both Cummins and the girl had altered their appearance by changing the color of their hair.
MEDIA: We are planning for an afternoon news conference. Details will be announced as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/Tw7IKNWZ38
— TBI (@TBInvestigation) April 20, 2017
A press conference is set for 4:00 EST where more details on the locating and capture of Cummins will be given.
© 2017 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
