The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has clarified that a suspect wanted in connection with a recent assault case has no connection to the disappearance of an 84-year-old Tucson woman, despite the proximity of the two incidents.
Authorities are seeking public assistance in locating Coral Michelle Smith, 40, who is wanted in connection with an assault that occurred on May 29 near the intersection of La Cholla Boulevard and River Road. The incident, which took place approximately 6.8 miles from the home of missing person Nancy Guthrie, allegedly involved an assault with a deadly weapon, according to the county’s CrimeStoppers affiliate, 88-Crime.
The sheriff’s department has emphasized that Smith’s case bears no relation to Guthrie’s suspected abduction, addressing what appears to have been confusion stemming from the geographic proximity of the two incidents and their overlapping timelines.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, remains missing, and authorities continue to investigate her disappearance as a suspected abduction. The department has not released additional details regarding the circumstances of her disappearance or potential suspects in that case.
The search for Smith represents a separate law enforcement priority. The 40-year-old woman remained at large as of Wednesday morning, prompting officials to turn to the community for assistance in her apprehension.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has urged anyone with information regarding Smith’s whereabouts to contact local authorities or submit anonymous tips through the county’s CrimeStoppers program. Such tips can be submitted through 88-Crime, which allows residents to provide information without revealing their identity.
The May 29 incident near La Cholla Boulevard and River Road has been classified as involving a deadly weapon, though authorities have not disclosed specific details about the nature of the assault or the condition of any victims.
Law enforcement officials stress that while both cases are active investigations within the same jurisdiction and general geographic area, they are entirely unrelated matters requiring separate investigative efforts. The clarification comes as the community processes two concerning public safety matters occurring within a relatively small radius.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to devote resources to both investigations, with the search for the missing 84-year-old woman and the apprehension of the assault suspect representing distinct priorities for the agency.
Anyone with information regarding either case is encouraged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department directly or submit anonymous tips through 88-Crime.
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