The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has issued an active wanted notice for 40-year-old Coral Michelle Smith in connection with a kidnapping and aggravated assault investigation stemming from an incident on May 29 in the Tucson area. Deputies say Smith is wanted on charges related to that incident and have asked the public to be vigilant while avoiding any attempt to confront or detain her.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department mugshot of Coral Michelle Smith, 40, wanted in a Tucson-area kidnapping and aggravated assault investigation.
Pima County officials released identifying information for Smith as they work the case. She is described as standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 136 pounds. Deputies reported she has blonde hair and blue eyes and noted several distinguishing tattoos: a smiley face and a heart on her right ankle, a rose with flames on her right foot, and the words "love, life, family" on her left leg.
The sheriff’s department also indicated Smith’s name has appeared in earlier Pima County court records. Those records show she has previously faced accusations that include kidnapping, assault, robbery and disorderly conduct. Officials say she has been in and out of custody in the county at least four times, according to what is reflected in court filings.
Investigators said the May 29 incident occurred in Tucson and that deputies are treating it as an active kidnapping and aggravated assault matter. The department has asked anyone who recognizes Smith, or who knows of her current whereabouts, to contact law enforcement immediately by calling 911. Residents have been cautioned not to approach her themselves for safety reasons.
The wanted notice places the location of Smith’s connection to the case at approximately seven miles from the residence of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who disappeared from her home in February. Deputies emphasized they are investigating both the Guthrie disappearance and the recent kidnapping and aggravated assault, but they have not stated any connection between Smith and the Guthrie matter.
Aerial view of a Tucson-area residence and surrounding yard shown in coverage of the Nancy Guthrie investigation, presented here with an interview inset.
The listing of Smith as wanted arrived while the Guthrie disappearance remains an open investigation for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Guthrie, 84, was reported missing in February after being last seen at her residence; her case has received continued investigative attention from county deputies. In public announcements, officials have maintained that all leads and persons of interest are being followed, but they have not identified any linkage between the May 29 Tucson incident involving Smith and the earlier disappearance.
Law enforcement officials described the wanted notice as part of routine efforts to locate individuals sought in connection with violent crimes. The sheriff’s department has used public bulletins to share identifying details in the hope that sightings or tips from community members can assist detectives. In this case, the department provided the physical description and tattoo details as a way to help residents and other agencies recognize Smith should she be observed.
Members of the public who believe they have seen Smith, who have information about where she might be staying, or who can otherwise assist investigators have been asked to report that information promptly to 911 dispatch. Deputies reiterated the request that residents not try to intercept or restrain the suspect themselves, and instead let trained officers handle any potential apprehension. The department continues to gather evidence and pursue leads in the May 29 case while maintaining ongoing work on the Guthrie disappearance.
No additional information about the alleged May 29 incident or any arrests in connection with it was released with the wanted notice. The sheriff’s department has not issued a timeline for when more details might be made public, and detectives have continued to appeal for community assistance as the investigations proceed.