Delivery Driver Detained in Guthrie Kidnap Hunt Claims Innocence After Release
Carlos Palazeulos, a 36-year-old delivery driver, has publicly declared his innocence after being detained by law enforcement officers who were hunting for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie. Speaking to reporters outside his home in Rio Rico, Arizona, Palazeulos aired his frustration over the incident, detailing his experience of being held against his will.
Frustration Over Detention and Lack of Rights
Palazeulos recounted that he was detained for approximately two hours without being read his rights, a point he emphasized strongly. "They held me against my will, they didn't even read me my rights in two hours in," he told reporters. When questioned about his knowledge of Nancy Guthrie, he firmly stated "no" and explained that he was being followed by officers while out on deliveries before being ordered to stop.
Expressing bewilderment, Palazeulos said, "They told me to stop moving. What the f*** am I doing here? I didn’t do anything to be honest, I’m innocent." He added that he had no idea who Savannah Guthrie was either, noting that he does not watch the news and that officers did not ask him any questions during the detention.
Background on the Kidnapping Case
The detention occurred in connection with the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, who was taken from her $1 million home in the Catalina Hills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, in the early morning hours of February 1. Authorities carried out a search of Palazeulos's home near Interstate 19 as part of their investigation. He was released shortly after 1 a.m. local time.
Palazeulos revealed that he was informed of the reason for his detention, saying, "They told me I was being detained for kidnapping. I asked them, 'Kidnapping of who?'" This highlights his confusion and lack of awareness about the case at the time.
Call for Justice and Clearing His Name
In his statements, Palazeulos expressed hope that the real suspect would be found, urging authorities to do their job effectively. "I hope they find the suspect, cause I'm not it - they better do their job and find the suspect that did it so they can clear my name," he asserted. This underscores his desire for vindication and resolution in the ongoing investigation.
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by individuals caught up in high-profile police hunts, with Palazeulos's case raising questions about detention procedures and the impact on innocent parties. As the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, this development adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding story.
