Like searching for a missing woman Nicole “Nikki” Winder continues in Texas, police released a major update in the case: Authorities said shortly after he was last seen, Winder’s truck was found burned to the ground due to “arson.”
The County Sheriff’s Office said Winder, 53, was last seen around 3 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, in the 19000 block of FM 974 in Brazos County.
About an hour later, his white 2025 Chevy truck with black rims was set on fire about 2 miles from where he was last seen.
“Investigators believe the vehicle’s fire was the result of an arson attack,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
Although they have confirmed that the fire was set on purpose, the police have not revealed their views on who set the car on fire.
“The Sheriff’s Office is asking residents in the area to review any available security or dash cam footage of a vehicle matching this description traveling in the area between 3:00 pm and 4:15 pm on February 25, 2026,” the department posted on Facebook on Thursday, February 26.
A missing persons poster for Winder describes her as a white female who stands 5-foot-7 and weighs 130 pounds. Additionally, he has blue eyes and blond hair. He was last seen wearing a dark gray shirt and pink pants, although he may have changed since he went missing.
“Authorities believe Nikki may be in danger of death or serious injury, and her whereabouts are unknown at this time,” the sheriff’s office said.
Police did not have any suspects as to why Winder went missing or if he is believed to be with someone else.
To assist with the search, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue Alert to alert people to be on the lookout for him.
A CLEAR alert stands for a Coordinated Elderly Rescue (CLEAR) alert, according to NCT 9-1-1.
An alert type was created to bridge the gap between missing children and adults, who have their own AMBER and Silver alerts when they are reported missing.
Clear Alert aims to help law enforcement locate and rescue missing, abducted or abducted adults who are believed to be in immediate danger. Additionally, an alert is also sent out to help locate any suspects in missing persons cases.
The CLEAR alert name honors victims of violence — Cayley Mandadi, D’Lisa Kelley, Erin Castro, Ashanti Billie and “relaxation” – which ultimately led to the CLEAR warning law passed in Texas in 2019.
Police ask that anyone with information about Winder’s disappearance or whereabouts contact local law enforcement or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office at (979) 361-4900.
The search for Winder is ongoing, and it’s important that anyone with information share that information with authorities immediately.
