The Pima County Sheriffโs Department announced on X Tuesday night that it, in collaboration with the FBI, has detained a person for questioning in connection with the disappearance of โTodayโ host Savannah Guthrieโs 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie.
The Pima County Sheriffโs Department said the person was detained south of Tucson, Ariz. during a traffic stop. Authorities told ABC that law enforcement is preparing to search a location in relation to the detainee. There was no indication whether the detainee was the individual in the front door photos released on Tuesday morning.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Arizona home on Jan. 31, triggering an intensive investigation that has brought โTodayโ show co-anchor Savannah Guthrieโs personal tragedy into the public eye.
The Pima County Sheriffโs Office declared the disappearance a crime on Feb. 2 after investigators discovered โconcerningโ evidence at Nancyโs home. Sheriff Chris Nanos said he believed Nancy โdid not leave on her own.โ Authorities have not identified any suspects, and they received an alleged ransom note with deadlines set for Friday, Feb. 6, and Monday, Feb. 9.
Savannah shared a message Monday on Instagram as the search for her missing mother entered its second week. โWeโre at an hour of desperation,โ she said in the video message.
Former co-anchor Hoda Kotb also returned to the โTodayโ show on Monday, filling in alongside Craig Melvin while Savannah remained with her family in Arizona. โWe are a family, and we show up for each other,โ Kotb said during the broadcast.
The FBI offered a $50,000 reward Thursday for information leading to Nancyโs recovery โand/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.โ FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said agents are โworking day and nightโ with local authorities.
On Saturday, the Guthrie siblings posted another video expressing their willingness to pay a ransom. โWe received your message, and we understand,โ Savannah said, sitting beside by siblings Camron and Annie. โWe beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.โ
This followed an emotional video shared to Instagram on Wednesday in which the siblings pleaded for proof of life. โSheโs 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile,โ Savannah said. โWe need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.โ