by Jacksonville, Alabama – Authorities are intensifying their search for a Jacksonville State University student who has been missing for more than a week, with police departments across multiple states now assisting in the effort.
Student Last Seen Leaving Campus
The missing student has been identified as James Nichols, a native of Ohatchee, Alabama. According to officials, Nichols was last seen on August 28 around 3 a.m., when he departed the Jacksonville State University campus.
Nichols was believed to be driving his 1999 blue four-door Chevrolet Malibu with an Alabama license plate number 11AEM5U.
Car Tracked Across States
Police said Nichols’ vehicle was first recorded on traffic cameras traveling north on Highway 431 in Glencoe, Alabama during the early morning hours of August 28.
The following day, the car was reportedly spotted in Pawling, New York, a small town located about 73 miles north of New York City.
This sighting shifted the search effort hundreds of miles away from campus, prompting authorities in New York to join the investigation.
University Police Leading the Case
Jacksonville State University Police Chief Michael Barton confirmed that the case has been officially entered into the national criminal justice database and that law enforcement agencies along the East Coast are now coordinating in the search.
“Our officers have been working around the clock since the report was made late Tuesday,” Barton said. “We look forward to locating James, connecting with him, and confirming he is safe.”
University officials added that no further details regarding the investigation will be released at this time “out of respect for Nichols’ family.”
Community Asked to Help
Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information. Anyone who may have seen Nichols or his vehicle is encouraged to contact the Jacksonville State University Police Department at 256-782-5050.
For those outside Alabama, tips should be reported directly to local law enforcement agencies.
Family and Student Concerns
The disappearance has shaken both Nichols’ family and the Jacksonville State University community. While school officials did not provide additional information about his personal life or possible reasons for his disappearance, the university has assured students that resources are being allocated to assist law enforcement in the case.
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Growing Search Across the East Coast
The fact that Nichols’ car was tracked from Alabama to New York has raised concerns that he may still be traveling or may already be somewhere along the East Coast corridor.
With the case now under multi-state coordination, investigators are expected to review surveillance cameras, toll road data, and possible sightings reported since Nichols’ last confirmed vehicle location.
What’s Next
For now, authorities are continuing their search with little public detail on Nichols’ exact movements after his car was seen in New York. Officials have not confirmed whether Nichols is considered to be in danger, though the urgency of the search indicates concern for his safety.
Jacksonville State University emphasized that the primary focus remains on locating Nichols and ensuring his well-being.
Do you think law enforcement should release more updates to the public in cases like this, or is keeping details private better for the investigation? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
