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Police operation linked to missing octogenarian Nancy Guthrie
Armed officers have surrounded a residence approximately two miles from the Tucson home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, as part of an ongoing abduction investigation.
Recent developments
Pima County Sheriff's deputies, SWAT teams, and forensic units were observed entering and exiting the property on Saturday, with a sheriff's vehicle blocking the street. The sheriff's department confirmed the activity was connected to the Guthrie case but declined to provide additional details.
Sheriff Chris Nanos told local station KOLD that investigators were pursuing an active lead, according to CBS, the BBC's U.S. news partner.
Evidence collected
Law enforcement officials previously reported discovering unidentified DNA at Guthrie's residence, suggesting an intruder may have been present. Multiple gloves were also recovered in the vicinity, with the nearest found roughly two miles from her home.
The sheriff's department clarified that reports of a glove being found inside Guthrie's home were incorrect. All evidence has been sent for laboratory analysis.
Suspect description and public response
The FBI released a physical description of the suspect on Thursday, identifying the individual as a male between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build. Authorities derived the details from doorbell camera footage outside Guthrie's home, which showed the suspect wearing a 25-litre Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack.
Following the release of the footage, the FBI received over 13,000 tips, including 4,000 within the first 24 hours. The reward for information leading to Guthrie's whereabouts has been doubled to $100,000.
"The suspect description remains a key focus. However, investigators are not ruling out any individuals or possibilities,"
Pima County Sheriff's Department
Family appeals and health concerns
Guthrie, who requires daily medication and has limited mobility, vanished from her home in the early hours nearly two weeks ago. Authorities believe she was taken against her will.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made multiple public pleas for their mother's safe return, expressing belief that she is still alive. They have indicated a willingness to pay for her release.
Ongoing investigation
Investigators have broadened their search for video footage from Guthrie's neighbors, hoping to uncover additional clues. The case remains active, with law enforcement urging the public to continue submitting tips.
