As the search for missing woman Nicole “Nikki” Winder continues in Texas, police have revealed a major update in the case: Authorities said that shortly after she was last seen, Winder’s truck was found torched as a result of “arson.”
The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said that Winder, 53, was last seen around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, in the 19000 block of FM 974 in Brazos County.
About an hour later, her white 2025 Chevy truck with black rims was located on fire about 2 miles away from where she had last been seen.
“Investigators believe the vehicle fire was the result of arson,” a sheriff’s office press release stated.
Despite confirming that the fire was started intentionally, police have not shared any theories about who may have set the car aflame.
“The Sheriff’s Office is asking residents in the area to review any available security or game camera footage for a vehicle matching this description traveling in the area between 3:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. on February 25, 2026,” the department wrote via Facebook on Thursday, February 26. “Anyone with relevant footage or information is urged to contact the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office immediately.”
A missing persons poster for Winder describes her as a white woman who stands 5-foot-7 and weighs approximately 130 pounds. Additionally, she has green eyes and blond hair. She was last seen wearing a dark grey shirt and pink pants, though it’s possible she might have changed outfits since she went missing.
“Authorities believe Nikki may be in danger of death or serious bodily injury, and her whereabouts are currently unknown,” the sheriff’s office added.
Police officers did not share any suspicions about why Winder may be missing or if she is believed to be with anyone else.
In order to help with the search, Texas Department of Public Safety issued a CLEAR Alert (Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue) to inform people to keep an eye out for her.
The CLEAR alert stands for the Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue (CLEAR) alert, according to NCT 9-1-1.
The specific type of alert was created to close the gap between missing children and senior citizens, who have their own alerts with AMBER and Silver alerts when reported missing.
The CLEAR alert intends to help law enforcement locate and rescue missing, kidnapped or abducted adults who are believed to be in immediate danger. Additionally, the alert is also sent out with the intention to help locate any potential suspects in the missing persons cases.
The name of the CLEAR alert honors victims of violence — Cayley Mandadi, D’Lisa Kelley, Erin Castro, Ashanti Billie and the “Rest” — which ultimately led to the CLEAR alert legislation that was passed in Texas in 2019.
Police are asking that anyone with information regarding Winder’s disappearance or whereabouts contact their local law enforcement agency or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office at (979) 361-4900.
The search for Winder remains ongoing, and it’s crucial that anyone with information share those details with authorities immediately.
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