Suspect arrested in Virginia sheriff’s deputy shooting after two-day manhunt
Michael Puckett, 55, was arrested in Surry County, North Carolina, following a two-day search tied to the fatal shooting of Virginia sheriff’s deputy Logan Utt. Authorities said Puckett fired at two deputies during a welfare check in Carroll County. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger honored Utt for his courage and service to the community.
In a separate law enforcement tragedy, a Deputy U.S. Marshal was fatally shot Monday while serving an arrest warrant in Alexandria, Louisiana, the U.S. Marshals Service said.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office said the shooting occurred around 3 p.m. in the Rutland Road area, where officers were working to take a wanted fugitive into custody.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives joined members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force for the operation when an officer-involved shooting took place.
A Deputy U.S. Marshal was shot and killed on Monday while serving an arrest warrant in Alexandria, Louisiana. (U.S. Marshals)
Authorities said the suspect was eventually arrested after a prolonged standoff with law enforcement.
The sheriff’s office said the suspect was injured during the incident and later taken to a nearby hospital for medical care.
The suspect was taken into custody after a lengthy standoff. (Getty Images)
The FBI is leading an investigation into the killing of the deputy, while the sheriff’s office is probing the shooting. Louisiana State Police are also assisting.
“The FBI responded to an incident this afternoon in Alexandria with the Alexandria Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police,” the FBI New Orleans Field Office said in a statement. “The FBI is now leading the investigation into an assault on a federal officer. Louisiana State Police is also investigating potential violations of state law. The subject, now under investigation, was taken into custody and there is no ongoing threat to the public. Because this is a very active and ongoing investigation we cannot comment further at this time.”
The FBI is leading an investigation into the killing of the deputy. (Getty Images)
FBI Director Kash Patel said: “FBI is investigating and offering full resources to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and our brave partners the @USMarshalsHQ after one of their deputies was tragically killed today while serving an arrest warrant in Alexandria, Louisiana. Suspect is in custody. Please pray for the deputy’s family and friends.”
