Pima County Sheriff's Department Detains Man in Connection with Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

TUCSON, Ariz. — February 11, 2026 — In a brief but intense development in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) detained a man for questioning late Tuesday before releasing him without charges early Wednesday.

The individual was stopped during a traffic stop south of Tucson, in the Rio Rico area, authorities confirmed. PCSD deputies, working alongside the FBI, questioned the man in connection with Guthrie's case and executed a search warrant at a residence associated with him. The detention followed the release of new surveillance images and video by the FBI and PCSD on Tuesday, showing a masked, armed individual tampering with a doorbell camera at Guthrie's Catalina Foothills home on the morning she vanished.

The man, who identified himself publicly as Carlos Palazuelos, a local delivery driver, spoke to reporters outside his home shortly after his release. He described being held for approximately eight hours while his property and vehicle were searched. Palazuelos strongly denied any involvement, stating he had no prior knowledge of Nancy Guthrie or her daughter, NBC "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, until investigators contacted him."

I didn't do anything. I'm innocent," he told media outlets, adding that he was shocked by the accusation and hoped authorities would find the real suspect. He speculated that his work as a delivery driver might have led to a possible incidental connection, such as delivering a package to the Guthrie residence in the past, but insisted he did not know her personally.

PCSD officials have not publicly identified the individual or provided details on what specific leads prompted the traffic stop and detention. In a statement, the department noted that the action stemmed from "follow-up on incoming leads" and emphasized their policy of not releasing the names of those detained and later cleared without charges.

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026, after last being seen at her home on January 31. Investigators believe she was taken against her will, citing blood evidence confirmed to be hers at the scene and signs of a crime inside the residence. The case has drawn national attention, with the FBI offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to her recovery or an arrest. Authorities have received thousands of tips, including nearly 18,000 calls to tip lines in recent days.

The family, including Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, has made repeated public pleas for her safe return, expressing belief that she is still alive despite concerns over her age, limited mobility, and need for medications.

As of Wednesday evening, no arrests have been made, and the search for Guthrie continues with multi-agency involvement, including FBI evidence response teams conducting searches in areas near her home. Officials urge anyone with information to contact PCSD.

17GEN4.com