Federal authorities detained a man Tuesday night in connection with the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, after several hours in custody he was released, though investigators have not confirmed whether he is formally considered a suspect in the case.
The detention followed a traffic stop in the Tucson area and led to a coordinated search effort involving the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI Evidence Response Team, underscoring the seriousness of the ongoing investigation.
While officials have released limited details, the incident marks one of the most significant developments in the case since Guthrie was first reported missing.
Who is the man detained by Law enforcement?
According to statements made publicly after his release, Carlos Palazuelos identified himself as the individual detained by law enforcement. He said he works as a delivery driver in Tucson and was taken into custody after officers initiated a traffic stop while he and his wife were driving.
WATCH: The man questioned in relation to the Nancy Guthrie disappearance in Rio Rico, AZ is released. Carlos Palazuelos explains what happened to him. pic.twitter.com/1CUYWaIW6a
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) February 11, 2026
Palazuelos stated that his wife pulled over because police vehicles were following them. He described being detained for several hours before ultimately being released without charges.
Law enforcement has not officially confirmed that Palazuelos was the person of interest detained in connection with the investigation, and authorities have not publicly stated whether he remains under investigation.
The lack of official confirmation leaves several unanswered questions, including:
- Why the traffic stop was initiated
- What evidence, if any, linked the vehicle or individuals to the investigation
- Whether the detention was based on a tip or investigative lead
Search Efforts in Rio Rico
Following the detention, federal and local authorities conducted a search of a residence in Rio Rico, Arizona — approximately 60 miles south of Tucson near the U.S.-Mexico border.
BREAKING: The FBI has released a photo of the suspect involved in the Nancy Guthrie case and is asking the public for help identifying the individual. pic.twitter.com/vSOnG9PDYM
— Resist Times (@ResistWire) February 10, 2026
The search involved the FBI Evidence Response Team alongside the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The FBI’s Evidence Response Team typically processes scenes involving potential criminal investigations, collecting physical evidence, documenting materials, and preserving forensic information.
Palazuelos said his home was searched pursuant to a warrant. Authorities have not publicly disclosed what, if anything, was recovered during the search.
Search warrants are generally issued when investigators demonstrate probable cause that evidence related to a crime may be located at a specific property. However, the issuance of a warrant does not necessarily imply guilt.
What Authorities Have Confirmed
Officials have confirmed:
- A person of interest was detained in the Tucson area.
- A residence in Rio Rico was searched in connection with the disappearance.
- The FBI and local law enforcement are actively investigating the case.
Investigators have also not provided an update on the status of Nancy Guthrie or publicly described specific leads guiding the investigation.
Background on the Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing earlier this week, prompting a coordinated search effort across multiple jurisdictions. Details surrounding the circumstances of her disappearance remain limited, but the involvement of federal authorities suggests investigators believe the case may involve potential criminal elements.
After being released, Palazuelos spoke briefly to reporters outside his home in Rio Rico. He stated that he was “innocent” and said he had never heard of Nancy Guthrie prior to being detained.
He also alleged that he was held against his will during the detention but did not indicate whether he plans to pursue legal action. No formal charges have been announced against him.
It is common in active investigations for law enforcement to detain individuals temporarily while verifying information or assessing potential leads. Being detained does not equate to being charged with a crime.
Why the FBI Is Involved
The presence of the FBI Evidence Response Team suggests the investigation may involve:
- Potential interstate elements
- Digital forensic evidence
- Federal jurisdiction considerations
- Complex evidence collection needs
The FBI frequently assists local agencies in high-profile or complex cases, particularly when technical forensic analysis or specialized investigative resources are required.
However, federal involvement does not necessarily confirm the nature of the suspected crime.
What Happens Next
At this stage, several possibilities remain:
- Authorities could announce additional persons of interest.
- Forensic analysis from the Rio Rico search may yield new information.
- Investigators may release further details to the public if assistance is needed.
In many cases, search warrant returns and forensic reviews take days or weeks to process. Updates may not be immediate.
If law enforcement determines that evidence recovered during the search is relevant, formal charges could follow. Alternatively, the detention may ultimately prove unrelated to Guthrie’s disappearance.
The Role of Public Tips
Missing persons investigations often rely heavily on public assistance. Law enforcement agencies typically encourage anyone with information to come forward. Tips can play a critical role in identifying new leads, especially in cases where initial evidence is limited.
Authorities have not yet indicated whether public tips led to the traffic stop or search warrant in this instance.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators continue to describe the case as active and ongoing. Limited public disclosure is common in early stages of criminal investigations, particularly when officials are working to corroborate information or preserve the integrity of potential evidence.
As of now, no arrests have been formally announced in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, and no charges have been filed related to Tuesday night’s detention.
Officials are expected to provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
For a full overview, see our complete breakdown of the Nancy Guthrie investigation.
