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HILLSVILLE, Va. (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded in Virginia on Friday as a sheriff’s deputy lost his life during an encounter where a suspect opened fire while deputies were performing a welfare check, according to law enforcement authorities.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office reported that the deadly confrontation happened shortly after a family member requested officers to verify the wellbeing of an individual.
A man at the home opened fire on deputies who returned fire, the sheriff’s office said. Both deputies were hit by gunfire.
“One deputy sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. The second deputy was struck in his ballistic vest and is currently receiving medical evaluation and is reported to be in stable condition,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a news release.
A search is underway for the suspect, identified as Michael Puckett. Law enforcement officials said he should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.
In Facebook post, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased deputy.
“My office is closely monitoring this tragic incident,” Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger wrote on social media. “I encourage anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to contact Virginia State Police. My thoughts are with the deputy’s family and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office as we work through this awful situation.”