Missing Tennessee teenager Elizabeth Thomas and the man accused of kidnapping her were in Oklahoma days after a statewide search began for the two, authorities said Friday.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed a sighting of Thomas, 15, and Cummins, 50, at a Walmart in Oklahoma City.
The two were captured on surveillance video walking into the Walmart on East I-240 Service Road in Oklahoma City March 15.
Authorities said Cummins bought several items with cash, but nothing of significance.
The surveillance images are the first anyone has seen of Thomas and Cummins since they left Columbia March 13. Thomas appeared to have darkened his hair, and Thomas looked like she had red hair in the photos, investigators said.
Investigators say Cummins, who was Thomas's teacher in Columbia, Tenn., used his influence as a teacher to groom Thomas for possible sexual exploitation. He was suspended from his job after a student reportedly saw Cummins and Thomas kiss in a classroom.
Cummins faces kidnapping and sexual contact with a minor charges.
Thomas is 5 feet tall and 120 pounds with hazel eyes. Cummins is 6 feet tall and about 200 pounds with brown eyes.
The two may be in a silver Nissan Rogue with Tennessee license plate number 976-ZPT. Cummins is believed to have two handguns.
Anyone with information about their disappearance is asked to contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
