Tucson dad wanted on charges of sexual conduct and theft after daughter drowns

The Pima County Sheriff's Department was looking for a suspect who stole a city of Tucson vehicle to flee during an investigation into the drowning death of his daughter. The suspect remained at large as of Thursday.

Nathan Aaron Peru, 30, was wanted on several charges after fleeing from law enforcement officers. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in a statement that Peru avoided arrest during an investigation into the circumstances of his daughter's death.

On March 16, 2024, Pima County sheriff's deputies responded to a reported medical emergency involving a 4-year-old child drowning, according to the statement. The child was pronounced dead after the Tucson Fire Department arrived to take over life-saving measures.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department homicide unit continued investigations, which found the child died under "suspicious circumstances." Detectives found probable cause to arrest Peru, who stole a city of Tucson vehicle to avoid officers.

Peru is wanted on two counts of sexual conduct with a minor and theft of means of transportation.

Keith Bee, a representative from the Pima County Sheriff's Department, confirmed the charges are related to the drowning incident but said he could not provide further information as the investigation is ongoing.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tucson dad wanted on charges of sexual conduct and theft after daughter drowns