Person detained and released in connection with search for Nancy Guthrie

Key Concepts

• Abduction: The unlawful taking away of a person.
• Surveillance Footage: Video recordings used for monitoring and security purposes.
• Traffic Stop: A brief detention of a vehicle by law enforcement to investigate a potential violation of the law.
• Forensic Investigation: The application of scientific methods and techniques to investigate crimes.
• Doorbell Camera: A security camera integrated into a doorbell, recording activity at a residence's entrance.
• Pacemaker App: A mobile application used to monitor and manage a patient's pacemaker device.

Investigation into the Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie is ongoing, with a significant development occurring approximately a week and a half after she was last seen: the detention of an individual for questioning. The Pima County Sheriff's Department detained the subject during a traffic stop south of Tucson, specifically in Rio Rico, approximately 51 miles from Tucson and near the Mexican border.

A forensic team meticulously examined a Nissan Rogue with Arizona plates, opening doors and the rear hatch as part of their investigation. Simultaneously, investigators searched a home in a small town following a tip suggesting Guthrie might be present. The homeowner, stating she did not know Guthrie, cooperated with the search, confirming no one was found on the property. She identified the detained individual as her son-in-law, a delivery driver in Tucson, but maintained his innocence in Guthrie’s disappearance.

Subject’s Account and Release

The detained individual, identified only as Carlos, provided an account of his arrest to KNXV, stating he pulled over when he noticed he was being followed by law enforcement. He claims he was arrested immediately upon exiting his vehicle, without initial explanation. He stated, “They were following me and once they saw they were following me, I pulled over. They didn't even have to put a traffic stop or anything. I got off the car and they arrested me as soon as I got out the car.” He further explained that detectives, including an FBI agent in Santa Cruz County, informed him approximately two hours later that he was being detained for kidnapping, specifically the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie. Carlos was subsequently released by police.

Surveillance Video Analysis

Central to the investigation is surveillance video obtained from Nancy Guthrie’s front door. The footage depicts an individual wearing a ski mask, gloves, and carrying a backpack. A pistol is visible in the subject’s waistband. The individual attempts to obstruct the camera by covering the lens with a gloved hand and then placing branches in front of it. Savannah Guthrie, Nancy’s daughter, shared the images on Instagram, appealing to the public for assistance, stating, “Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home.”

The Guthrie family, having been shown the images prior to their public release, did not recognize the masked figure. The video was recovered from backend systems with assistance from the private sector, including Google, which is actively assisting the investigation. Investigators are focusing on identifying the subject based on their gait, height, build, eyes, and backpack.

Timeline and Health Concerns

The doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m. on Sunday, February 1st. Approximately 40 minutes later, Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker app disconnected from her phone. This sequence of events is considered crucial to establishing a timeline. The investigation is now in its 11th day, and concerns remain regarding Guthrie’s fragile health. As stated by a news commentator, “This is now the 11th day of searching for Nancy Guthrie. There have been concerns from the start about her fragile health. And looking at those new images, Michael, how truly terrifying it must have been for the 84year-old grandmother, an armed man in a mask on her doorstep in the middle of the night.”

Ongoing Search Efforts

Investigators are currently conducting door-to-door searches in the neighborhood where Savannah Guthrie’s sister, Annie, resides, examining properties and searching drain pipes. The search for Nancy Guthrie continues, with authorities relying heavily on public assistance and forensic analysis of available evidence.