YouTuber arrested near Nancy Guthrie’s home after alleged ‘pee tent’ publicity stunt

CATALINA FOOTHILLS, ARIZONA: A YouTuber who has closely followed the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie found himself in legal trouble after authorities accused him of creating a public nuisance near the missing woman's home.

The arrest happened on Monday, June 8, as law enforcement continued efforts to keep social media personalities away from the quiet Arizona neighborhood that has become an unexpected destination for online creators since Guthrie's disappearance.

Court documents allege that Alexander Zabel Jr., host of the YouTube channel CriminalNetwork, set up what investigators described as a "pee tent" near the area and was later seen dumping urine on a nearby property.

Alexander Zabel Jr accused of creating public nuisance near Nancy Guthrie's home

According to court documents obtained by KOLD, Zabel allegedly pitched the tent on a roadway near Guthrie's residence in Catalina Foothills.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told the outlet that deputies had already been planning to arrest a YouTuber they suspected of camping near the home and dumping urine on neighboring property.

Authorities later identified that individual as Zabel.

Investigators claim the alleged outdoor restroom setup became a source of frustration for residents in the community.

Court records described the setup as "offensive" and said it interfered "with the comfortable enjoyment of life of property by the entire community."

The allegations go beyond the tent itself. Authorities also accused Zabel of placing traffic cones on a neighborhood roadway while sitting in a lawn chair during a livestream on May 26.

Hours after deputies moved in, the 54-year-old YouTuber was taken into custody and charged with obstruction of a highway or thoroughfare and public nuisance, according to the sheriff's department.

Two other YouTubers also arrested as authorities crack down on livestream activity

Zabel was not the only social media personality targeted by law enforcement.

Troy Lewis Bradshaw, better known online as "DAA Juice," and Damian Todd Enderle, who operates the YouTube channel 857 Tucson, were also charged with public nuisance.

Authorities said all three men had become heavily involved in covering the Nancy Guthrie case online as the investigation entered its fifth month without a resolution.

Bradshaw was separately accused of "causing a nuisance" while livestreaming in the area.

While Zabel and Bradshaw were transported to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex, Enderle was cited and released at the scene.

The arrests quickly became content for the creators themselves.

"They have officially arrested DAA JUICE. They are taking him to Pima County Jail as we speak right now. We need to get lawyers. We are being targeted," Enderle said during a livestream after recording Bradshaw being taken into custody.

Authorities have repeatedly warned social media users against trespassing or disrupting the neighborhood as interest in the disappearance case continues online.

Online fascination with Nancy Guthrie case draws scrutiny

The arrests highlight growing concerns from law enforcement about content creators turning active investigations into livestream spectacles.

According to officials, deputies have issued repeated warnings aimed specifically at social media users who have traveled to the neighborhood hoping to capitalize on public interest surrounding Guthrie's disappearance.

Despite those warnings, creators have continued to document their visits online, attracting audiences interested in developments connected to the case.

Authorities appear increasingly concerned that such activity could disrupt the community and interfere with residents trying to go about their daily lives.

Interest in the case remains high because Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has not been solved. 

Guthrie, the mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her home during the early hours of February 1. Authorities believe she may have been abducted.

Investigators have pointed to a mystery man who was reportedly seen lingering on Guthrie's front stoop the same night she disappeared. However, the case has largely gone cold in the months since.