Nicole Winder, 53, Missing After Leaving Bryan Workplace; White Chevy Truck Found

Nicole “Nikki” Winder, 53, was last seen leaving her place of employment in the 19000 block of FM 974 in Brazos County around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25; just over an hour later, a white 2025 Chevy truck with black rims registered to Winder was found burning on an oil pad site on FM 974, just north of Highway 21. Investigators say the vehicle fire was the result of arson, and the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office has warned Winder may be in danger of death or serious bodily injury.

BCSO and fire department personnel responded to a possible vehicle fire just after 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 25 and located the truck parked on the oil pad site; the truck was later confirmed to belong to Nicole Winder. BCSO posted on Facebook that, “At approximately 4:00 p.m., a vehicle on fire was located in the same area and was later confirmed to be Nikki’s vehicle a white 2025 Chevy truck with black rims,” and investigators believe the vehicle fire was the result of arson. Deputies and investigators immediately began efforts to contact Winder after the vehicle was identified.

Winder is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, approximately 130 pounds, with green eyes and blond hair. She was last seen wearing a dark gray shirt and pink pants, and the sheriff’s office released a missing-person photo and fliers as part of the investigation. Residents are asked to check home security or game-camera footage for the time window between 3:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. on Feb. 25 for a truck matching that description; anyone with relevant footage or information is urged to call the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office at (979) 361-4900. If someone sees Winder, BCSO asks that callers dial 911.

BCSO deputies and assisting agencies expanded searches along FM 974 in the days after the truck was found, deploying drones, search dogs and a boat during weekend operations. Nathan Dennis with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said the search is expanding as investigators follow new leads and push into surrounding areas, and investigators continue to canvass and review footage from nearby cameras and properties.

“Our priority remains locating Nikki and ensuring a thorough and complete investigation. We are deeply grateful for the support from our partner agencies and the community. The continued tips, assistance, and encouragement mean a great deal to Nikki’s family and to everyone working this case. Please know that we remain fully committed to this investigation and will continue following every lead until Nikki is located,” the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said in a public statement. The investigation is ongoing and BCSO continues to ask anyone with information to call (979) 361-4900.