Tama County man missing for two weeks, car found in Arkansas

Law enforcement in Iowa and Arkansas are seeking the public’s help locating a Tama County man who has been missing since he left home two weeks ago.

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Nicholas Collins, 22, has not had any contact with his family since Dec. 19. He left a note in his residence in Garwin, Iowa saying he was “going away for a while,” according to a missing-person report from the Tama County Sheriff’s Office. He has not been seen since then.

Collins’ car — a white 2012 Mini Cooper — was found at a trailhead in the Ozark National Forest in Johnson County, Arkansas on Jan. 1, according to a press release from the Tama sheriff’s office.

“When we were first notified, there was no reason to believe Nicholas was in danger. He is an adult and can make his own choices,” a press release from the Tama sheriff’s office reads. “However, after Christmas passed with no communication, his family became very concerned. The longer there is no contact with Nicholas, the more concerned his family and law enforcement become.”

Search and rescue teams have been searching for Collins in Johnson County and Newton County, Arkansas since his car was found last week, according to the Tama County Sheriff’s Office. The office also has been in contact with federal law enforcement and are using federal resources to help locate Collins.

Anyone who may have information about Collins’ whereabouts is asked to called the sheriff’s office at 641-484-3760.

Comments: (319) 398-8328; emily.andersen@thegazette.com