Authorities said Wednesday that an arrest has been made in connection with an alleged imposter ransom demand linked to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. The announcement was made during a Feb. 5 news conference, where an FBI official confirmed the arrest but did not release the suspect’s identity or specify the charges, citing the ongoing investigation.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Jan. 31 after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue. She was reported missing the following day when relatives became concerned after she did not attend church as planned. Authorities have noted that she does not have access to her necessary medication.
Investigators believe Guthrie may have been taken from her home against her will. She is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Officials have not released details about what she was wearing at the time of her disappearance and continue to encourage the public to share any information that could assist the search.
Law enforcement agencies are also reviewing reports of messages sent to media outlets that referenced the case. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it is working closely with the FBI to evaluate all tips and leads related to the investigation.
Despite the arrest tied to the alleged imposter communication, authorities emphasized that no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.