UPDATE: 19-year-old area woman located by police

UPDATE: From VHPD, "Ms. Nichols has been located and her family has been notified that she is not hurt. We appreciate all the people who shared our post and looked out for Ms. Nichols."

After requesting public help in locating 19-year-old Mary Carmen Nichols on Sunday, March 26, Vestavia Hills Police Department reported she had been located. Nichols' family had reported her missing, according to VHPD, and Vestavia Hills police officers located her Sunday around 9 p.m.

Because she is 19 years old and legally an adult, Nichols was not required to leave with police or return to her family. Her mother, Madonna Merkling Nichols, posted to Facebook Monday night, saying her daughter had not returned home.

The Vestavia Hills Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in locating Mary Carmen Nichols.

Nichols, 19, was believed to possibly still be in the Vestavia or Hoover area Sunday evening.

VHPD reported on its Facebook page and Captain Kevin York confirmed that Nichols left her home early Sunday, March 26.

Nichols did not have her cell phone or vehicle when she left home, the report said.

Police are asking anyone with information about Nichols' location to contact the VHPD desk sergeant at 978-0140, or use the "Submit a Tip" link on the department's Facebook page. Those with information can also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES), keyword "VHPD."

Editor's note: This post was updated March 27 at 8:58 p.m. for clarity.