FBI Seizes Vehicle in Ongoing Investigation into Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance
In a significant development in the case of missing Tucson resident Nancy Guthrie, federal agents have seized a gray Range Rover during a late-night operation. According to reports from Newsweek, the FBI conducted the search and seizure of the SUV on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the investigation.
Scene Details and Visual Evidence
Visuals aired on local channel KGUN 9 captured FBI agents and Pima County deputies meticulously examining the vehicle in a Culver's parking lot, located approximately two miles from Guthrie's home. The footage showed officers taking photographs, inspecting the SUV, and covering it as part of the ongoing probe into her disappearance. Authorities have not disclosed the owner of the Range Rover or its specific connection to the case, maintaining a tight lid on details.
Expanded Police Operations and SWAT Presence
New photos from the scene reveal FBI agents and SWAT teams conducting operations in the same vicinity. In one image, agents are seen overseeing the removal of the Range Rover from a parking lot adjacent to a restaurant. A photographer at the scene reported that officials inspected the SUV and sealed its trunk before taking it into custody. The vehicle was discovered near a neighborhood that had been cordoned off by police earlier that evening, as investigations into Guthrie's circumstances continued.
This vehicle seizure coincided with a larger police operation, which included a SWAT presence at a nearby home and the detention of several individuals. However, officials clarified that these detentions were not arrests and did not reveal the identities of any potential suspects, emphasizing the preliminary nature of the actions.
Joint Investigation and Limited Information Release
The Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed that the investigation is being conducted in coordination with the FBI. In a post on X shortly before midnight local time (2 a.m. ET), following the circulation of initial reports, the department stated, "Law enforcement activity is underway at a residence near E Orange Grove Rd & N First Ave related to the Guthrie case." They added, "Because this is a joint investigation, at the request of the FBI, no additional information is currently available." This underscores the bureau's strategy of sharing only limited details to protect the integrity of the case.
Background on Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, with authorities suspecting she may have been abducted from her Tucson home. The FBI has now escalated efforts by raising the reward to $100,000 for information that could lead to her location or result in an arrest. This increase highlights the urgency and complexity of the investigation, as officials continue to pursue several possible leads in the search for Guthrie.
