Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case: At least 3 detained, police activity spikes near 84-year-old's home – latest updates

At least three people have been detained in connection with the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of US journalist Savannah, who was last seen the night of January 31.

According to Fox News Digital, citing a local law enforcement source, authorities detained two males, plus one of their moms after receiving a tip. The source said a warrant had been served.

During a warrant execution, “technically, everyone is detained,” said the source. It remains unclear if any of them is a suspect.

On the eve of February, a large law enforcement operation unfolded in an area about two miles from Nancy Guthrie's home.

Fox News reported that a SWAT vehicle and the Pima County Sheriff's Mobile Command Centre had mobilised from headquarters several hours earlier.

More vehicles, some believed to be federal law enforcement, were seen arriving at a location. According to CNN, a first group of cars included marked sheriff’s units, while a second group included a federal evidence truck.

The SWAT vehicle was seen departing the scene earlier, while forensics trucks remain at the location.

Law enforcement has not announced what prompted the move, but investigators are expected to share additional information as it becomes available. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said “a written statement is forthcoming.”

In a social media post, the Sheriff’s Department said, “Law enforcement activity is underway at a residence near E Orange Grove Rd & N First Ave related to the Guthrie case.”

“Because this is a joint investigation, at the request of the FBI - no additional information is currently available,” they added.

Earlier Friday, Fox News said a surveillance plane circled the area for about an hour before moving south.

The Sheriff’s Department also found DNA at Nancy's property, which is not hers, according to CNN.

Authorities have found “DNA other than Nancy Guthrie’s and those in close contact to her” at her property, the sheriff’s department said. “Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to.”

What do we know about the suspect?

The FBI has described the suspect in Nancy's kidnapping case as an approximately 5’9” - 5’10” tall man, with an average build. In the security footage, he is wearing a black, 25-litre "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack, according to the bureau.

The FBI increased the reward to $100,000 for “information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.”

Mailer of 3rd ransom note ups ask

The mailer of the chilling third ransom note asking for one bitcoin, worth $68,000, in exchange for the name and location of the kidnapper has now upped his price.

The TMZ said it has received a third email from the man who claims to know the identity of Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper because “he doesn't trust law enforcement”.

According to TMZ, the mailer felt that the $100,000 reward was a move designed “to discredit me.” He has now asked for this FBI reward in bitcoin.

He, TMZ said, is asking for a fraction of bitcoin worth $50,000 in exchange for the information. He said he will take the other $50,000 in bitcoin after the kidnapper is arrested. The mailer has reportedly said that after the initial payment, he'll give up “the name of the main individual” in the kidnapping case and “promised” not to withdraw it until arrest.

In a more recent email, TMZ said that the person has warned the authorities that if they do not cooperate, they should "be prepared to go international" to find the kidnapper.