An “armed and extremely dangerous” suspect involved in the fatal shooting of a Virginia deputy has been apprehended in North Carolina. Michael Puckett was captured in Surry County after an elaborate manhunt, according to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
Puckett was detected on a wildlife camera at 6:56 a.m. on Greenhill Road, north of Mount Airy, on Sunday morning. The Sheriff’s Office released a photo showing Puckett wearing a baseball cap and some kind of covering. Authorities alleged that Puckett had ambushed two deputies during a welfare check on Friday night, resulting in the death of Deputy Logan Utt, a military veteran, and injuring another officer. The second officer’s life was reportedly saved by his bulletproof vest.
Before the suspect’s arrest, the FBI had offered a reward of up to $50,000 for any information leading to Puckett’s capture. Additionally, the U.S. Marshals Service put forward a $10,000 reward, totaling $60,000. Whether the reward contributed to his capture is yet to be clear.
Puckett now faces an aggravated murder charge in Virginia. Multiple agencies including the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, and several local and state forces participated in the search operation.
The incident took place shortly before 9:30 p.m. local time. Deputies were dispatched to conduct a welfare check after a family member expressed concern. When deputies encountered Puckett, he allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy Utt and injuring the second deputy.
Deputy Utt, a member of the force since 2023, had served as a military veteran prior. His dedication to his role was acknowledged by Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp, who described him as a hero and acknowledged the community’s tragic loss.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger affirmed Utt’s bravery, and expressed her condolences to his family, along with prayers for the injured officer and all law enforcement personnel.
Deputy Utt leaves behind a wife and children, while the injured deputy is reportedly recovering and in stable condition.
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