Authorities in Arizona detained an individual for questioning on February 10 as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, a case that has drawn national attention and prompted federal involvement.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed in a statement posted on X that deputies detained a subject during a traffic stop south of Tucson. Officials provided few details, stating only that the individual was believed to be connected to the investigation. Law enforcement did not disclose the person’s identity, nor did they clarify the nature of the suspected connection to Guthrie’s disappearance.
Later that day, local news outlet ABC15 interviewed a man identified as Carlos, who said he had been detained during the traffic stop in relation to the case. According to Carlos, deputies informed him that he was being detained on suspicion of kidnapping. He said he was confused by the allegation and denied any involvement.
“They told me I was being detained for kidnapping,” Carlos told ABC15. “And I asked him, ‘kidnapping of who?’ And they told me this lady, I don’t know her name.” He added that he works as a package delivery driver and suggested that he may have delivered a parcel to Guthrie’s residence in the past. “I might have delivered a package to her house, but I never kidnapped anybody,” he said.
Carlos stated that he was released several hours later. However, as of the latest official update, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has not publicly confirmed whether the individual detained during the traffic stop was released or whether he remains under investigation.
The detention comes as federal and local authorities intensify efforts to locate Nancy Guthrie, who was last seen on the evening of January 31 at her home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue in the Catalina Foothills area, a suburb of Tucson. Investigators have said they believe she may have been abducted from her residence.
On February 10, the FBI released newly recovered images and video footage that may provide critical leads in the case. The material shows a masked individual tampering with a doorbell camera outside Guthrie’s home. According to the FBI, the footage was captured by a Nest security camera positioned at the front door.
In the video, a person approaches the entrance and appears to move their hand around the device, possibly attempting to disable or interfere with the camera. The FBI described the footage as having been previously inaccessible. Investigators were able to recover it from residual data stored in backend systems, suggesting that original recordings may have been removed, corrupted, or otherwise compromised.
In a statement posted on X, the FBI said it has been working closely with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and private sector partners to recover any images or video footage from Guthrie’s home that may have been lost. Authorities indicated that technical challenges—including the potential removal of recording devices—initially limited access to some data.
“Over the last eight days, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors—including the removal of recording devices,” the FBI said.
The release of the images prompted a public appeal from Guthrie’s daughter, Savannah Guthrie, the co-host of NBC’s “Today” show. Savannah shared still images from the video on social media and urged anyone who recognizes the masked individual to come forward.
“Someone out there recognizes this person,” she wrote in an Instagram post on February 10. “We believe she is still out there. Bring her home.”
The case has steadily escalated since Guthrie was first reported missing. On February 5, the FBI announced it had formally joined the investigation alongside local authorities. The bureau is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to Guthrie’s recovery or to the arrest and conviction of any individual involved in her disappearance.
Complicating the investigation are ransom notes that surfaced last week. Multiple news outlets reported receiving messages purportedly demanding millions of dollars in exchange for Guthrie’s safe return. The FBI confirmed that the notes included two deadlines—one set for February 5 and another for February 9. Both deadlines have now passed.
Guthrie’s children addressed the ransom reports in a video message released on February 4. In the video, they acknowledged the existence of a ransom letter and stated that the family was prepared to engage in communication if necessary to ensure their mother’s safety. Their remarks reflected both urgency and hope as they appealed for her safe return.
However, on February 9, the FBI stated that it was not aware of any ongoing communication between the Guthrie family and any suspected kidnappers. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the ransom notes are considered credible or whether investigators believe they are directly connected to the disappearance.
The emergence of the video footage and the temporary detention of an individual during a traffic stop underscore the complexity of the case. Investigators have not announced any formal arrests, and no charges have been filed as of this writing. Law enforcement officials have also cautioned against speculation, emphasizing that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The detention initially reported in connection with the traffic stop was later clarified. An earlier version of coverage had mischaracterized the status of the person detained. The publication that first reported the incident issued a correction and expressed regret for the error.
As the search enters its second week, authorities continue to urge the public to provide any information that could assist in locating Nancy Guthrie. The combination of technical forensic work, public appeals, and interagency coordination suggests that investigators are pursuing multiple leads simultaneously.
For now, Guthrie’s whereabouts remain unknown. Her family, supported by federal and local law enforcement, continues to call on the public for assistance, hoping that newly released evidence and heightened awareness will generate the breakthrough needed to bring her home safely.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
