Arrest made outside Nancy Guthrie home as missing person investigation continues

Authorities arrested man outside Nancy Guthrie’s home as investigation into her disappearance remains active

An arrest was made outside the home of missing Arizona resident Nancy Guthrie on June 11, though authorities have stated that the incident does not appear to be directly connected to the ongoing investigation into her disappearance.

According to a statement issued by the Pima County Sheriff's Department, deputies arrested 54-year-old Alexander Zabel Jr. outside Guthrie's residence shortly before 5 p.m. local time.

The department said it had received multiple complaints regarding Zabel's behaviour prior to the arrest.

"On June 11, 2026, just before 5 p.m., deputies with the Pima County Sheriff's Department arrested 54-year-old Alexander Zabel Jr. in front of Nancy Guthrie's home," the statement said.

"PCSD had received several complaints regarding Mr. Zabel's behavior. At the time of the incident, Mr. Zabel was live streaming from outside the residence."

Authorities added that deputies made contact with Zabel and that "during the arrest process, a PCSD sergeant was knocked to the ground."

The statement continued, "Mr. Zabel was subsequently taken into custody without further incident and booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex. He is facing charges of resisting arrest (Class 6 felony) and public nuisance (Class 2 misdemeanor)."

The arrest came on the same day investigators addressed reports concerning a search in Mexico prompted by an anonymous tip related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today presenter Savannah Guthrie.

"We are aware of reports regarding an anonymous tip related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation that was provided to a group in Mexico," the sheriff's office said. "At this time, we have not been contacted by Mexican authorities."

The department added, "This investigation remains active and ongoing, and we will continue to follow up on any credible information."

A volunteer search group in Mexico reportedly investigated claims that Guthrie had been buried in an unmarked grave near the border. However, the search did not uncover any evidence connected to the case.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on January 31 after returning to her Tucson home following an evening with family. She was reported missing the following day after failing to attend a planned virtual church service.

Investigators have previously stated that they believe Guthrie was taken against her will. Despite multiple searches and investigative efforts, no suspect has been publicly identified.