PAWLING, N.Y. – Police in multiple states are searching for a missing college student from Alabama whose car was last seen traveling through Putnam County before appearing in Pawling, New York. Authorities are urging the public to help locate the student, who has now been missing for more than a week.
Student Reported Missing from Jacksonville State University
The missing student has been identified as James Nichols, a student at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. School officials confirmed Nichols was reported missing last week after leaving campus unexpectedly.
Investigators believe Nichols may have been traveling north, far from the university campus, when he disappeared. His movements have since drawn the attention of law enforcement in both Alabama and New York.
Vehicle Sighted in Putnam and Pawling
Nichols is believed to be driving a 1999 blue Chevrolet Malibu with Alabama license plates. According to police, his car was first recorded passing through Putnam County before later being spotted in Pawling, New York, on Friday.
The unusual travel pattern has intensified concern among investigators, as Nichols’ whereabouts remain unknown.
Police Coordinating Across States
Jacksonville State University Police Chief Michael Barton said law enforcement agencies in Alabama are working closely with their counterparts in New York.
“Police throughout Alabama are coordinating closely with law enforcement in New York, where James’s vehicle was last spotted,” Barton explained. “The case has been entered into the national criminal justice database, and investigators are following all leads.”
Officials emphasized that the case is being treated with urgency, given the distance Nichols appears to have traveled and the uncertainty surrounding his safety.
Public Asked to Assist
Authorities are now calling on members of the public for help. Anyone who may have seen Nichols or his vehicle is encouraged to contact police immediately.
Details of the car are as follows:
-
1999 Chevrolet Malibu
-
Blue in color
-
Alabama license plates
Anyone with information is asked to call the Jacksonville State University Police Department at 256-782-5050 or contact their local law enforcement agency.
Concern in the Community
The disappearance of Nichols has prompted deep concern both in Alabama and New York. Friends and classmates at Jacksonville State University have joined the appeal for information, sharing photos and details across social media in hopes of reaching someone who may have seen him.
Law enforcement agencies stressed that time is critical in missing persons cases and urged the public not to hesitate if they have any information, no matter how small it may seem.
Conclusion
As the search continues, police remain hopeful that tips from the community will help locate James Nichols and bring him home safely. For now, investigators remain focused on tracing his last known movements in Putnam County and Pawling while expanding the search across state lines.
Leave a Reply