SWAT Operation Near Nancy Guthrie Home Leads to Three Detentions
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| The SWAT operation came hours after investigators recovered DNA evidence from somebody not known to be “in close” contact with Guthrie from her property. |
A tactical SWAT operation near the home of Nancy Guthrie has resulted in the detention of three individuals, marking one of the most significant law enforcement actions since the 84-year-old was reported kidnapped nearly two weeks ago.
According to the Pima County Sheriff's Department, deputies executed a search warrant late Friday at a residence located roughly two miles from Guthrie’s Catalina Foothills property. The warrant was served after investigators developed new leads in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is leading the federal kidnapping investigation.
Read more: Identify the Kidnapping Suspect: FBI Releases Description in Nancy Guthrie Case
Three Detained During Warrant Execution
Authorities confirmed that three people — two adult men and the mother of one of the men — were detained during the operation. Law enforcement officials emphasized that individuals present during the execution of a search warrant are routinely detained for officer safety and questioning, and detention does not automatically mean arrest or formal charges.
As of Saturday morning, officials had not announced any arrests in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. It remains unclear whether any of the three detained individuals are considered suspects.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed what items, if any, were seized from the residence. However, sources familiar with the probe indicated that the search was based on a tip deemed credible enough to justify tactical deployment.
Kidnapping Investigation Intensifies
The FBI formally labeled the case a kidnapping earlier this week and released a detailed description of a suspect captured on surveillance footage outside Guthrie’s home in the early hours of February 1.
The suspect is described as:
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Male
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Approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall
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Average build
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Wearing dark clothing and gloves
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Carrying a black 25-liter Ozark Trail “Hiker Pack” backpack
Authorities say the individual appeared to tamper with or disable Guthrie’s doorbell camera before moving out of frame. Enhanced forensic review of the footage allowed investigators to identify the backpack model, which they hope will generate specific public leads.
$100,000 Reward and Evidence Review
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| Description of Nancy Guthrie kidnapping suspect released |
The FBI Phoenix Field Office has doubled the reward to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s location or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
Investigators have received more than 13,000 tips since the video was released. Authorities continue to review residential security footage, vehicle movement records, and digital evidence collected from the surrounding Tucson area.
Earlier in the investigation, officials confirmed that blood found inside the residence belonged to Guthrie. The sheriff’s department has also acknowledged recovering additional items of evidence from the property and nearby terrain, which are undergoing forensic testing.
Ongoing Search in Catalina Foothills
Search efforts remain active across the Catalina Foothills community near Tucson. Law enforcement officers have canvassed neighborhoods, conducted ground searches in desert terrain, and interviewed residents as part of an expanding evidence review.
Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s Today, has publicly appealed for information about her mother’s whereabouts. Family members have emphasized that Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication, increasing urgency as the investigation enters its third week.
What Happens Next
Authorities have not confirmed whether the SWAT operation directly connects the detained individuals to the suspect seen on video. Officials stress that the case remains active and evolving, and that forensic analysis and tip verification are ongoing.
The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department continue to urge anyone with credible information — particularly regarding the suspect description or the Ozark Trail backpack — to contact investigators.
