Delivery Driver Detained in Guthrie Abduction Case

Man claims he was under surveillance before being questioned by authorities

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A delivery driver in Arizona, identified only as Carlos, said he was detained by law enforcement on Tuesday evening after they had been following him. Carlos claimed the FBI and a Santa Cruz County deputy sheriff arrested him and told him he was being detained for the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for 10 days. After several hours of questioning and a search of his vehicle, Carlos was released.

Why it matters

The detention of Carlos, a delivery driver, suggests authorities may have been monitoring potential suspects before the release of images related to the Guthrie disappearance case. This could indicate the investigation has been ongoing for some time, even as the search for Nancy Guthrie continues.

The details

Carlos said he noticed he was being followed by a law enforcement vehicle while driving his Nissan Rogue in Rio Rico, Arizona. He pulled over, and was immediately detained and told he was being questioned about the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie. After several hours of questioning and a search of his vehicle, Carlos was released. Authorities confirmed they had detained a subject during a traffic stop south of Tucson, but did not provide further details.

  • On Tuesday evening, Carlos was driving in Rio Rico, Arizona when he noticed he was being followed by a law enforcement vehicle.
  • After pulling over, Carlos was immediately detained and questioned about the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie.

The players

Carlos

A delivery driver in Arizona who was detained and questioned by authorities in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Pima County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that confirmed detaining a subject during a traffic stop south of Tucson related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the "Today" show, whose mother Nancy Guthrie has been missing for 10 days.

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What they’re saying

“They were following me. And once I saw they were following me, I pulled over. They didn't even have to [ make ] a traffic stop. I got out of the car and they arrested me as soon as I got out of the car.”

— Carlos, Delivery Driver (KNXV)

“Deputies detained a subject during a traffic stop south of Tucson. The subject was questioned in connection to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.”

— Pima County Sheriff's Office (KNXV)

What’s next

Authorities have not provided any further details on the status of the investigation or whether Carlos remains a suspect. The search for Nancy Guthrie continues as her disappearance enters its 10th day.

The takeaway

This case highlights the intense scrutiny and surveillance law enforcement may employ in high-profile missing persons investigations, even before publicly releasing information about potential suspects. The detention of Carlos, a delivery driver, suggests authorities may have been monitoring multiple individuals of interest before the Guthrie case gained widespread attention.