Investigators probing the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie have detained a man for questioning as authorities intensify their search for the missing 84-year-old.
The individual, who has not been publicly identified, was stopped in Rio Rico after deputies with the Pima County Sheriff’s Office followed him, according to the New York Post.
Officials confirmed he is being questioned in connection with Nancy’s abduction.
Authorities are also searching the man’s home in Rio Rico, a small border community about 60 miles south of Tucson.
The sheriff’s office has not labeled him a suspect, and reports indicate he does not appear to be a member of the Guthrie family.
The investigation gained momentum after newly released video and images showed an armed, masked individual at the Tucson home of the “Today” show host’s mother.
The footage, captured at the doorstep, marked a significant development in the case.
FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the investigation during an appearance on Fox News Tuesday night, confirming that federal authorities are examining “persons of interest.”
“Without polluting the investigation, I will say we have made substantial progress in these last 36-48 hours, thanks to the technical capabilities of the FBI and our partnerships and I do believe we are looking at people who, as we say, are persons of interest,” Patel said.
He credited both the doorbell footage and collaboration with private sector partners for helping investigators narrow their focus.
“Not only were we able to get this type of information [Ring doorbell footage], but we were able to exploit information pursuant to our private sector partner engagement that showed us that there might be persons of interest in and around the area related to this event,” Patel told Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
He emphasized the early stage of the inquiry.
“With any investigation, you are a person of interest until you’re either eliminated or you’re actually found to be the culprit or the culprits involved, and that’s the stage we’re at right now,” he added.
Despite the developments, Patel cautioned against overconfidence.
“The FBI is making advancements, and I don’t want the people out there to have a false hope of what we are putting forward, but we have made significant steps in executing this investigation,” he said.
Nancy was last seen Jan. 31 after being dropped off at her Tucson home by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, following dinner with him and her daughter, Annie. It remains unclear whether investigators have determined her current condition.
