Authorities successfully captured Michael Puckett, an alleged suspect labeled as “armed and extremely dangerous,” in connection with the fatal shooting of a Virginia deputy. This arrest occurred in North Carolina on Sunday, following a comprehensive manhunt.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the capture of Puckett, specifically in Surry County. Earlier on Sunday, Puckett was reportedly seen on a wildlife camera at 6:56 a.m. on Greenhill Road, situated to the north of Mount Airy. A sobering image of Puckett, wearing a baseball cap and a covering, was shared by the agency.
Puckett is accused of ambushing two deputies during a welfare check on Friday night, resulting in the death of Logan Utt, a military veteran and deputy with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Another officer sustained injuries but survived, reportedly due to his ballistic vest.
Before his capture, authorities announced rewards for information leading to Puckett’s arrest. The FBI pledged $50,000, while the U.S. Marshals Service offered an additional $10,000, totaling $60,000.
Puckett faces an aggravated murder charge in Virginia. The FBI’s Richmond Field Office collaborated with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, and various local and state agencies throughout the pursuit. The initial deadly incident occurred just before 9:30 p.m. local time, when deputies responded to a welfare check request from a family member.
During their encounter with Puckett, he allegedly started shooting, fatally injuring Utt and wounding the second officer. Although the deputies fired back, Puckett managed to escape.
Logan Utt, who joined the force in 2023 after serving in the military, leaves behind a grieving family. “Becoming a deputy sheriff was a lifelong dream, and he worked every day to make Carroll County a safer place,” stated Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp.
Utt’s sacrifice has been recognized as an act of bravery. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed her condolences, noting Utt’s dedication and heroism in his service to the community.
Alexandra Koch, a journalist for Fox News Digital, covers significant national events, including crises like the L.A. wildfires and others that impact the national discourse.
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