The latest update in the possible abduction of Savannah Guhtrie‘s mother, Nancy Guthrie, reveals police have detained a person of interest for questioning in connection to the case, following the FBI release of surveillance videos.
According to Arizona’s Pima Country Sheriff’s Department (PCSD), officials detained a man in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
As we previously shared, the 84-year-old mother of ‘TODAY’ anchor Savannah Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31. She was at her home in Arizona’s Catalina Foothills. Police listed her as a “missing vulnerable adult” due to her age. By February 2, PCSD then declared Nancy’s disappearance as a potential crime after finding some “very concerning” evidence in her home.
During a February 3 press conference, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed DNA samples taken from Nancy’s home hadn’t resulted in anything “indicating the suspect.” However, on February 4, two senior officials told ‘TODAY’ that investigators are looking into what appears to be blood found outside of Nancy’s home.
Nancy Guthrie Disappearance: Alleged Ransom Note Demands Millions In Bitcoin; Police Also Offer Missing Person’s Reward
On February 3, TMZ reported that they received an alleged ransom note demanding payment for the release of Nancy Guthrie. According to the outlet, the note demanded a specific amount of Bitcoin, reportedly in the millions, and for the family to send it to a specific Bitcoin address. TMZ confirmed the address is real. The note also came with a deadline attached, plus an “or else” comment.
Upon forwarding the alleged ransom note to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, PCSD later acknowledged the reports, revealing they were investigating them.
“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie. We are taking all tips and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI. We encourage anyone who may have any information or tips to share them.”
PCSD also announced a reward for information, valued at up to $2,500. While doing so, Sheriff Nanos described the investigation into Nancy’s disappearance as a “race against time. On February 3, he told NBC’s Liz Kreutz, “It is a race against time, and I hope that window hasn’t closed.” Officials are hoping the public will offer “any video or photograph information” from the scene near her home.
Following the reports of the alleged ransom note, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, sister Annie Guthrie, and brother, Camron Guthrie, took to social media. While breaking their silence, the siblings pleaded for their mother’s safe return. They also addressed the alleged ransom note, stating they were “ready to talk” and wanted proof that their missing mother is still alive and safe.
RELATED: Savannah Guthrie Pleads For Help To Find Her Missing Mother In New Video
FBI Releases Video Of Masked & Armed Man Outside Nancy Guthrie’s Home, Police Detain Man In Connection To Her Disappearance
A day later, Savannah, Annie, and Camron posted another video, telling their mother’s possible kidnapper that they “will pay” for her safe return. Another day after that, Savannah Guthrie then issued another video, pleading for help to find her missing mother She said, “We are at an hour of desperation.”
Then on Tuesday (February 10), the FBI released surveillance videos and photos showing a masked and armed man at Nancy Guthrie’s home. The images and video were from the night she went missing. Hours later, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced they detained a person of interest in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
PCSD said officials detained a man “during a traffic stop south of Tucson,” and kept him for questioning. Two law enforcement sources told CBS News that under a court order, local and federal authorities were searching the man’s residence, located in Rio Rico, Arizona — about 12 miles from the Mexican border.
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