Alabama police searching for missing JSU student whose car was last seen outside New York City

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (WIAT) — Police are searching for a missing Jacksonville State University student whose car was spotted over 1,000 miles away from campus.

James Nichols, a 20-year-old who is originally from Ohatchee, was last seen Aug. 28, but his disappearance was not reported to police until Tuesday.

According to JSU, police believe Nichols left campus on Aug. 28 in a blue Chevrolet Malibu that was last seen in Pawling, New York, the following day. Pawling is located approximately 70 miles north of New York City.

As of Thursday, neither Nichols nor his car has been found.

“Our officers have been working around the clock since the report was made late Tuesday, and we are coordinating closely with law enforcement in New York, where James’s vehicle was last spotted,” Jacksonville State University Police Chief Michael Barton said in a statement. “We encourage anyone with information to call University Police or submit a tip. We look forward to locating James, connecting with him, and confirming that he is safe.”

The license tag on Nichols’ car is 11AEM5U.

Over the summer, Nichols took part in a cross-country bike ride as part of Journey for Hope, a drive to support people with disabilities. He is a member of the Delta Epsilon chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at JSU. According his fundraising page, Nichols collected over $2,000 in donations through the ride.

Anyone with information on Nichols’ whereabouts is encouraged to call 911 or the Jacksonville State University Police Department at 256-782-5050.