Arizona Sheriff's Department Criticized for 'Paw Patrol' Halloween Video Amid Missing Woman Investigation
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and his department faced backlash for a lighthearted promotional video while the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance remains active.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department in Arizona is facing public criticism for a Halloween video featuring Sheriff Chris Nanos dressed as characters from the children's show "Paw Patrol." The video, released on social media, has drawn ire from many who feel it is inappropriate given the department's ongoing, and as yet unresolved, investigation into the abduction of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.
Nanos, who plays the role of Chase, a police dog from the animated series, appears in the 90-second clip with other department members, adorned in costumes and decorations. The video was intended to promote an upcoming Halloween event hosted by the sheriff's department. However, online commenters have lambasted the content, drawing parallels between the lighthearted promotional material and the serious nature of Guthrie's disappearance.
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since February 1, when she was taken from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson. As of Friday, the Pima County Sheriff's Department had reportedly disabled comments on the promotional video. This action did not prevent widespread criticism online, with users expressing frustration and disappointment.
"Day 257: Have no fear, the Pima County Paw Patrol is here to help find Nancy Guthrie!" one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Another commenter, identifying as a Pima County resident, described the sheriff's actions as "so embarrassing," while others called the video "beyond disturbing."
The investigation into Guthrie's abduction has been a source of controversy for Sheriff Nanos. Earlier in the probe, claims surfaced that he had withheld evidence from the FBI, which Nanos has denied. In July, the Pima County Sheriff's Office released two ransom notes they believed to be genuine, one of which suggested Guthrie had died shortly after her kidnapping. These notes were initially sent to a local television station days after her disappearance.
Guthrie was last seen on January 31. Investigators believe she was abducted from her home around 2:30 a.m. on February 1, after a masked individual was captured on doorbell camera footage outside her residence disabling the device. Drops of blood were found on her front porch, leading authorities to believe she was kidnapped. Her disappearance was reported the following day when she failed to attend a church service.