A man described as “armed and extremely dangerous,” wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a Virginia deputy, was apprehended in North Carolina on Sunday, officials announced.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Michael Puckett was captured in Surry County after an extensive manhunt. Earlier that day, authorities revealed that Puckett had been seen on a wildlife camera at 6:56 a.m. on Greenhill Road, located north of Mount Airy. The agency released a chilling image capturing Puckett wearing a baseball cap and some form of disguise.
According to reports, Puckett allegedly ambushed two deputies during a welfare check on Friday night. This assault resulted in the death of 31-year-old deputy Logan Utt, a military veteran, and left another officer injured, as disclosed by Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp.
Before Puckett’s apprehension, the FBI had announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his capture. The US Marshals Service also put forward a $10,000 reward, raising the total incentive to $60,000. It remains unclear whether this reward contributed to Puckett’s capture.
Puckett now faces an aggravated murder charge in Virginia. The FBI’s Richmond Field Office played a significant role in the manhunt, alongside the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, US Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, and numerous other local and state agencies.
Puckett is facing an aggravated murder charge in Virginia, according to police. The FBI’s Richmond Field Office assisted the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, US Marshals Service, Virginia State Police and numerous local and state agencies in the manhunt for Puckett.
The deadly encounter unfolded just before 9:30 p.m. local time, when the two Carroll County deputies were dispatched to a home after a family member requested a welfare check.
When the deputies met with Puckett, he allegedly opened fire, killing Utt and wounding the second officer — whose life was saved by his ballistic vest, according to authorities.
The deputies returned fire, but Puckett fled the scene and remains at large.
Utt joined the force in 2023 after serving the nation as a military veteran.
“Becoming a deputy sheriff was a lifelong dream, and he worked every day to make Carroll County a safer place,” Kemp wrote in a statement Saturday. “Today, Carroll County has lost a hero, and a family has suffered an unimaginable loss.”
Utt leaves behind a wife and children. The wounded deputy is recovering in stable condition.
“Deputy Logan Utt’s sacrifice is a testament to his bravery and dedication to his community,” Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger wrote in a statement on X. “Adam and I are praying for Deputy Utt’s family, the injured officer during his recovery, and for the safety of all of our courageous men and women in law enforcement.”
