The individual described as “armed and extremely dangerous” and sought for the fatal shooting of a Virginia deputy was apprehended in North Carolina on Sunday, according to law enforcement officials.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office reported that Michael Puckett was detained in Surry County after a widespread search. Earlier that day, authorities noted that Puckett had been detected by a wildlife camera at 6:56 a.m. on Greenhill Road, north of Mount Airy. The office released a haunting image showing Puckett wearing a baseball cap and some form of disguise.
Puckett is accused of ambushing two deputies during a welfare check on Friday night, resulting in the death of a military veteran and injuries to another officer. Deputy Logan Utt, aged 31, was killed in the incident, as confirmed by Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp.
Prior to Puckett’s apprehension, the FBI had announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his capture. Additionally, the U.S. Marshals Service offered $10,000, bringing the total potential reward to $60,000. It remains uncertain whether the rewards contributed to his capture.
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The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Michael Puckett was taken into custody Sunday evening in North Carolina. (Carroll County Sheriff’s Office)
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, U.S. 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.
Michael Timothy Puckett was spotted on a wildlife game camera in Surry County, North Carolina at 6:56 a.m. on Sunday, according to the Wytheville Police Department. (Wytheville Police Department)
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.
Michael Puckett (L) allegedly shot two deputies, killing Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy Logan Utt (R), in Carroll County, Va. (Wytheville Police Department/Carroll County Sheriff’s Office)
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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.”
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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.”
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