Virginia Deputy’s Shooting Suspect Captured
An “armed and extremely dangerous” man linked to a Virginia deputy’s killing was captured in North Carolina, authorities reported on Sunday. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Michael Puckett, apprehended in Surry County after a comprehensive manhunt.
Authorities initially spotted Puckett on a wildlife camera at 6:56 a.m. on Greenhill Road near Mount Airy. An unsettling photo showed Puckett wearing a baseball cap and a covering.
Puckett allegedly ambushed two deputies during a welfare check on Friday night. The attack resulted in the death of Logan Utt, a military veteran and Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputy, and wounded another officer. According to Sheriff Kevin Kemp, Utt was 31 years old.
Before Puckett’s capture, the FBI offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture. The U.S. Marshals Service added $10,000, totaling a $60,000 reward. It remains unknown if this reward contributed to his capture.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office announced, “Michael Puckett was captured Sunday evening in North Carolina.”
Puckett faces an aggravated murder charge in Virginia, as confirmed by police. The FBI’s Richmond Field Office, alongside the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, and local agencies, participated in the hunt for Puckett.
The two deputies reached a residence for a welfare check before 9:30 p.m. local time. Upon encountering Puckett, he opened fire, killing Utt and injuring the second officer. Authorities noted the wounded deputy’s ballistic vest saved his life. Although the deputies returned fire, Puckett escaped and was on the run.
Utt had joined law enforcement in 2023, following his military service. “Becoming a deputy sheriff was his dream, and he worked tirelessly to make Carroll County safer,” Sheriff Kemp expressed in a statement.
Utt leaves behind a wife and children. The injured deputy is recovering and in stable condition.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger expressed her admiration for Deputy Utt’s courage, stating, “Deputy Logan Utt’s sacrifice shows his bravery and dedication to his community.” She extended her prayers to Utt’s family and the injured officer during recovery.
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