TBI urges public to remain alert in Elizabeth Thomas Amber Alert case
Although the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said it had received more than 1,100 tips since Elizabeth Thomas disappeared just over two weeks ago, authorities on Tuesday said none have proved credible thus far.
Regardless, state and local officials are urging the public to stay alert in hopes of returning the 15-year-old Middle Tennessee girl home.
"The TBI remains absolutely optimistic about the outcome of this situation," TBI spokesman Josh DeVine said during a news briefing in Columbia, Tenn., where authorities provided the latest details in the search efforts. "It only takes one lead, one person ... to turn this thing around."
Thomas remained missing Tuesday and a multistate manhunt remained in effect for the girl's 50-year-old teacher Tad Cummins, wanted on an aggravated kidnapping charge in connection with her disappearance.
"I want to promise you we will keep doing anything and everything we can to bring Elizabeth home and pursue justice for Tad Cummins," TBI Director Mark Gwyn said during the briefing.
Gwyn also cautioned the public to avoid anything that might sound like victim blaming.
"Let me be very clear this morning: She is 15, a child, he is 50, a grown man. This was not a romance. This was manipulation solely to benefit Tad Cummins," Gwyn said. "We remain gravely concerned for the well being of this girl. Right now, Elizabeth may not realize she is a victim."
"To Tad, let me say this: It's still not too late to do the right thing. A self-proclaimed man of faith, you have the power to answer the prayers of your family, of the community and so many people across the community and bring Elizabeth home," Gwyn said. "And finally to Elizabeth, we will not stop until we find you and bring you home. Your family, your friends and your community want you safe and back home. We want the same thing."
District Attorney General Brent Cooper encouraged members of the public who know people living south of the U.S. border to visit TBI's website, copy Thomas' Amber Alert flyer and share it with them.
"We don't know how much publicity it's getting and we need people down there to know who they are," he said. "Because he was a religious man ... it's possible he is playing a missionary in that area."
Authorities said one of the biggest problems with recent threats were people weren't phoning them in fast enough.
"If you believe you're looking at them, call 911 fast," Maury County Sheriff Bucky Rowland said.
The teenage girl is described as being white with blond hair and hazel eyes, and is 5 feet tall and 120 pounds.
Cummins is a 6-foot white male with brown hair and brown eyes and weighing 200 pounds.
He drives a silver Nissan Rogue with Tennessee license plate of 976-ZPT.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND. If you spot Cummins' vehicle with a Tennessee license plate 976-ZPT, call 911.
Read more:
Teaching was dream job for kidnapping suspect Tad Cummins
Family asks for continued prayers amid ongoing AMBER Alert for Elizabeth Thomas
TBI: Tad Cummins searched 'teen marriage' on internet before kidnapping
Timeline shows troubling events before Elizabeth Thomas' disappearance
TBI: Tad Cummins added to 10 most wanted list as search for Columbia teen continues