Crime in Tucson rises during Nancy Guthrie’s investigation

Abduction of Nancy Guthrie Shocks Tucson Community

The abduction of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old resident of Catalina Foothills near Tucson, Arizona, has left many in shock. She’s the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of the Today show, and has lived in this relatively safe neighborhood for many years.

Interestingly enough, crime overall in Pima County is reportedly declining. However, Tucson itself is grappling with significant issues. The city faces rampant violence linked to drug trafficking, particularly methamphetamine. Criminals have been known to exploit the city’s free public transportation, complicating law enforcement efforts. This situation has become even more pressing as the search for Guthrie enters its second week, with a masked suspect captured on surveillance video leading to many tips, but so far, no arrests.

Local business owner Josh Jacobson, who collaborates with nonprofits like the Tucson Crime Prevention Coalition, highlighted the need for improved law enforcement and resources to address the growing crisis in the area. Although Pima County is generally described as low in crime, Tucson itself presents numerous challenges.

“The reality is that crime is out of control in the city of Tucson, and our legislators are working really hard to push it back,” Jacobson said, noting that a large encampment of drug users is located just a few miles from Guthrie’s home.

Vivid images of nearby encampments show piles of discarded items, including clothes and trash. Recently, Pima County deputies were investigating property theft in the vicinity, but assured that it was unrelated to Guthrie’s case.

Jacobson expressed concerns over the city’s fare-free public transportation initiative, introduced in response to the pandemic; some believe it inadvertently fuels crime. “It’s not just drugs, it’s organized retail theft, robbery, and assault,” he commented, mentioning that criminals are effectively using the buses as escape routes after committing crimes.

Interestingly, while the nearest bus stop is roughly 3.9 miles from Guthrie’s house, experts suggest she might have been forcibly taken, which makes the use of the bus unlikely in her situation. For many in the community, calling 911 may not yield prompt assistance, with reports of nuisance crimes going unreported.

Jacobson reported alarming behaviors near bus stops, including drug use and open sales, which raises further concerns about safety and accountability. Tucson is also strategically positioned just 90 miles from the Mexico-U.S. border, making it a key area for drug trafficking.

Despite the local crime issues, Jacobson claims that Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has been reluctant to work collaboratively with federal agencies such as Border Patrol and ICE. In Guthrie’s case, this lack of cooperation has frustrated federal law enforcement officials. They noted that the sheriff delayed contacting the FBI and chose to send critical evidence to a private lab in Florida rather than using local FBI facilities.