Authorities captured Michael Puckett, an armed and dangerous man wanted for the fatal shooting of a Virginia deputy, in North Carolina on Sunday. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office reported that Puckett’s capture occurred in Surry County after an extensive manhunt.
Earlier that day, Puckett was seen on a wildlife camera at 6:56 a.m. on Greenhill Road, north of Mount Airy. An eerie photo was released, showing him wearing a baseball cap and some sort of covering.
Puckett allegedly 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. Before Puckett’s capture, law enforcement offered substantial rewards: the FBI promised up to $50,000, and the U.S. Marshals Service offered $10,000, totaling $60,000. It’s unknown if the reward contributed to his capture.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Michael Puckett’s capture on Sunday evening in North Carolina.
Puckett is facing an aggravated murder charge in Virginia. The FBI’s Richmond Field Office supported local agencies, including the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, and Virginia State Police, in the search for Puckett.
The incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. when deputies were sent to conduct a welfare check at a home. Puckett allegedly opened fire on the deputies, killing Utt and wounding the second officer. The injured officer’s ballistic vest saved his life. The deputies returned fire, but Puckett fled the scene.
Deputy Logan Utt, who joined the force in 2023, had served the nation as a military veteran. His lifelong dream was to be a deputy sheriff, and he was dedicated to making Carroll County safer. Sheriff Kevin Kemp expressed, “Carroll County has lost a hero, and a family has suffered an unimaginable loss.”
Utt is survived by his wife and children. The second deputy is recovering and in stable condition.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger praised Deputy Utt’s bravery and dedication. She stated that her thoughts are with his family, the recovering officer, and the safety of all law enforcement officers.
Journalist Alexandra Koch, covering breaking news for Fox News Digital, reported this high-impact event. Her experience includes covering national crises such as the L.A. wildfires and Texas Hill Country floods.