Arrest Made in Nancy Guthrie Case as SWAT Teams Join Search

Police in Arizona have detained a person for questioning in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, authorities confirmed Tuesday.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department said the individual was detained during a traffic stop south of Tucson. Officials are now preparing to search a property linked to that person. It is not yet clear whether the detained individual is the same masked and armed figure seen in newly released surveillance footage from outside Nancy Guthrie’s home.

Earlier this week, investigators shared images and video showing a person appearing to tamper with the camera at Nancy’s front door on the night she vanished. Authorities have not confirmed whether the detained person matches that suspect.

SWAT and Bomb Squad Activated

The Oro Valley Police Department said regional SWAT teams and bomb squads were activated to assist in a mission with the sheriff’s department. However, officials stopped short of confirming whether that operation is directly related to the search for Nancy, who has now been missing for more than a week.

Investigators, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have also been seen in the neighborhood of Annie Guthrie — Savannah’s sister and Nancy’s daughter — asking residents questions. Annie lives about four miles from Nancy’s longtime Tucson home.

Disappearance in the Middle of the Night

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Jan. 31. According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, dropped her off at her home after dinner with him and Annie.

She was reported missing the following day when she failed to appear at a friend’s home to livestream a church service, something she had planned in advance. Authorities quickly launched a large-scale investigation, saying they believe she was taken against her will.

In the days that followed, troubling evidence emerged. Investigators found what appeared to be a trail of blood on the front steps of Nancy’s home. Police later confirmed the blood matched her DNA. Parts of a Ring doorbell camera were also discovered removed from the front entrance.

Ransom Notes and Family Plea

As the search intensified, media outlets — including KOLD News 13 — reported receiving alleged ransom notes tied to the case.

On Feb. 7, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted an emotional video on Instagram, addressing their mother’s alleged kidnappers directly.

“We will pay,” they said, pleading for Nancy’s safe return.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be reported to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office at 520-351-4900.

As investigators continue their search and prepare to examine the newly linked property, Nancy Guthrie’s family — and the wider Tucson community — wait anxiously for answers.