During a late-night operation near Nancy Guthrie’s residence, authorities arrested three individuals in connection with her grandmother’s disappearance. Reports indicate that one person was taken into custody while his gray Range Rover was also seized.
A large number of agents focused on the SUV parked at a Culver’s in the Catalina Foothills, located only two miles from Guthrie’s home, according to local station KGUN9.
The driver was questioned but later released, officials informed the Post.
A barrier was placed around the rear of the Range Rover to conceal the investigation.
Law enforcement was observed photographing and inspecting the vehicle before it was towed away.
Officers stopped the driver during a traffic stop as part of coordinated raids on nearby homes related to the ongoing search for Guthrie, Fox reported.
Multiple SWAT teams were active on Friday, detaining at least three individuals in relation to the kidnapping case.
The two men and their mother were taken in for questioning but were also released afterward.
“Law enforcement activity is underway at a residence near E. Orange Grove Road & N. First Ave. in connection with the Guthrie incident,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Office posted on X just before midnight local time. “Since this is a joint investigation with the FBI, no further details are available at this point.”
A spokesperson for the Culver’s franchise stated they are “fully cooperating with authorities” but couldn’t share additional information. They expressed, “Currently, we have no information linking this investigation to Nancy Guthrie’s case. Our thoughts are with Ms. Guthrie’s family, and we continue to hope for her safe return.”
Earlier on Friday, investigators retrieved DNA evidence from Mr. Guthrie’s property from an individual not known to have had “close” contact with him.
This DNA sample has been sent for analysis.
The 84-year-old mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie has been missing since January 31, having last been seen at her home in Tucson.
It appears she was forcibly taken, as evidence of blood stains were found at the scene.
Since her abduction, several ransom notes have emerged, complicating matters further.
Last Thursday, the FBI released video footage from Guthrie’s nest camera, showing an armed individual attempting to lure her to her front door.
Authorities describe the suspect as male, roughly 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build.
The FBI has since increased the reward to $100,000 for any information that could lead to Guthrie or the apprehension of her kidnappers.
