Suspect arrested in Virginia sheriff’s deputy shooting after two-day manhunt
Michael Puckett, 55, was taken into custody in Surry County, North Carolina, following a two-day manhunt tied to the killing of Virginia sheriff’s deputy Logan Utt. Investigators say Puckett fired at two deputies during a welfare check in Carroll County. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger honored Deputy Utt, commending his courage and service to the community.
In a separate case on the West Coast, a six-hour search at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California ended with the arrest of two suspects after authorities say they forced their way onto the installation during a police chase and ditched a vehicle loaded with more than 110 pounds of cocaine and fentanyl.
According to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the tense episode began when the pair, attempting to evade local police, smashed through a gate at the base.
NCIS said the suspects then left the vehicle behind in a military housing neighborhood and ran from the scene on foot.
The security breach led officials to issue a temporary shelter-in-place order while law enforcement moved to lock down and secure the base.
Authorities mounted a six-hour manhunt after the two suspects allegedly entered Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton during the pursuit. (Naval Criminal Investigative Service)
