RIO RICO, Ariz. (AP) — A suspect has been detained for questioning in the kidnapping case of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's Savannah Guthrie, who disappeared from her Arizona home on February 1. This development follows the release of troubling surveillance footage by the FBI, showing a masked individual equipped with a handgun holster outside Guthrie's residence on the night she vanished.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department detained a person during a traffic stop south of Tucson Tuesday. Although details regarding the detainee were scarce and the FBI referred inquiries to the sheriff's office, local reports suggested that one person, identified as a delivery man, was briefly held before being released hours later.
On Tuesday evening, law enforcement officials, in coordination with the FBI, conducted a search at a specific location in Rio Rico, approximately one hour south of Tucson. This search was authorized by the court and is expected to continue for several hours.
Since Nancy omitted her whereabouts on February 1, the case has captured national attention. Driven by concern for her well-being, authorities feared for her life due to her health condition, including limited mobility and dependence on medication. Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized the urgency of the situation as the investigation gained momentum after minimal leads.
The family has released a series of emotional video messages appealing for Nancy’s safe return and expressing their willingness to pay a potential ransom. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings reiterated their belief that their mother is alive, further detailing the desperate impact the situation has had on their lives.
Investigators earlier confirmed the presence of blood belonging to Nancy on her porch, leading them to conclude she might have been taken against her will. As the investigation progresses with community support, local authorities are appealing for any information regarding the case.
The newly released surveillance footage showed the suspect actively attempting to obscure their image from doorbell cameras. The FBI noted that the armed individual had tampered with the camera and the investigation into this case remains ongoing.
As the community of Rio Rico supports the family, tens of thousands have expressed their concern, hoping for Nancy's safe return, creating an emotional sentiment shared nationwide.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department detained a person during a traffic stop south of Tucson Tuesday. Although details regarding the detainee were scarce and the FBI referred inquiries to the sheriff's office, local reports suggested that one person, identified as a delivery man, was briefly held before being released hours later.
On Tuesday evening, law enforcement officials, in coordination with the FBI, conducted a search at a specific location in Rio Rico, approximately one hour south of Tucson. This search was authorized by the court and is expected to continue for several hours.
Since Nancy omitted her whereabouts on February 1, the case has captured national attention. Driven by concern for her well-being, authorities feared for her life due to her health condition, including limited mobility and dependence on medication. Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized the urgency of the situation as the investigation gained momentum after minimal leads.
The family has released a series of emotional video messages appealing for Nancy’s safe return and expressing their willingness to pay a potential ransom. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings reiterated their belief that their mother is alive, further detailing the desperate impact the situation has had on their lives.
Investigators earlier confirmed the presence of blood belonging to Nancy on her porch, leading them to conclude she might have been taken against her will. As the investigation progresses with community support, local authorities are appealing for any information regarding the case.
The newly released surveillance footage showed the suspect actively attempting to obscure their image from doorbell cameras. The FBI noted that the armed individual had tampered with the camera and the investigation into this case remains ongoing.
As the community of Rio Rico supports the family, tens of thousands have expressed their concern, hoping for Nancy's safe return, creating an emotional sentiment shared nationwide.
