The manhunt for a suspect labeled as “armed and extremely dangerous,” linked to the fatal shooting of a Virginia deputy, intensified this past Sunday. Authorities revealed that the suspect, Michael Puckett, was caught on a wildlife game camera in Surry County, North Carolina. In response, the reward for his apprehension has surged sixfold.
The Wytheville Police Department reported that Puckett was captured on the camera at 6:56 a.m. along Greenhill Road, north of Mount Airy. The department released a haunting image showing Puckett in a baseball cap and some type of face covering.
Puckett is accused of ambushing two deputies during a Friday night welfare check, which resulted in the death of deputy Logan Utt, a 31-year-old military veteran, and injuries to another officer. Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp confirmed these tragic details.
The FBI has escalated their efforts to locate Puckett by offering a reward of up to $50,000 for any information leading to his capture. Additionally, the U.S. Marshals Service has pledged $10,000, bringing the total reward to $60,000.
Michael Timothy Puckett was spotted on a wildlife game camera in Surry County, North Carolina at 6:56 a.m. on Sunday, according to the Wytheville Police Department. (Wytheville Police Department)
Puckett is facing an aggravated murder charge in Virginia, according to police. The FBI’s Richmond Field Office is assisting the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police and numerous local and state agencies in the ongoing manhunt for Puckett.
The deadly encounter unfolded just before 9:30 p.m. local time, when the two Carroll County deputies were dispatched to a home after a family member requested a welfare check.Â
When the deputies met with Puckett, he allegedly opened fire, killing Utt and wounding the second officer — whose life was saved by his ballistic vest, according to authorities.Â
The deputies returned fire, but Puckett fled the scene and remains at large.
Authorities are searching for Michael Puckett (L), who is wanted for allegedly shooting two deputies, killing Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy Logan Utt (R), in Carroll County, Va. (Wytheville Police Department/Carroll County Sheriff’s Office)
The sheriff’s office warned the public not to approach him and call 911 immediately if he is spotted.Â
Utt joined the force in 2023 after serving the nation as a military veteran.
“Becoming a deputy sheriff was a lifelong dream, and he worked every day to make Carroll County a safer place,” Kemp wrote in a statement Saturday. “Today, Carroll County has lost a hero, and a family has suffered an unimaginable loss.”
Utt leaves behind a wife and children. The wounded deputy is recovering in stable condition.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger confirmed her office is closely monitoring the situation, urging anyone with information on Puckett’s whereabouts to come forward.
“Deputy Logan Utt’s sacrifice is a testament to his bravery and dedication to his community,” Spanberger wrote in a statement on X. “Adam and I are praying for Deputy Utt’s family, the injured officer during his recovery, and for the safety of all of our courageous men and women in law enforcement.”
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