Two missing Kentucky teenagers suspected of a crime spree across the South have been spotted in Florida, where they were seen panhandling, police told NBC News on Friday.
Grayson County, Georgia, Sheriff Norman Chaffins said 18-year-old Dalton Hayes and his 13-year-old girlfriend Cheyenne Phillips, may be staying in camps or homeless shelters and could have the weapons that were in one of the vehicles they allegedly stole.
"I think it started as a game or something funny," Chaffins said. "So far, they've committed crimes in four states. We don't think it's funny."
The pair were reported missing Jan. 3. They're accused of stealing a neighbor's red Toyota pickup, then ditching it in Georgia for a stolen a silver Toyota Tundra that had .45- and .38-caliber handguns in the back seat.
Both are wanted in at least the two auto thefts, and Hayes is also wanted on charges of custodial interference for luring Cheyenne away from home.
Hayes' mother, Tammy Martin, told reporters that her son had just recently started dating Cheyenne, who she didn't know was only 13.
She said Hayes texted her on Jan. 6 to say, "Mommy, don't worry. I'm fine, okay — plenty of money and food. Love you, good night, sweet dreams."