CARROLL COUNTY, VA – June 3, 6:30 a.m. UPDATE
A funeral service has been scheduled for Carroll County Deputy Logan Utt, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on May 29.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church in Mount Airy, North Carolina, with Pastor Anthony Thomas officiating. The funeral service is set for Friday, June 5, at the same location. A private interment will follow at the Utt Family Cemetery, attended by family, close friends, members of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, and the Mount Airy Fire Department.
“In honoring Deputy Utt, we also honor the lasting impact he made on his department and community, a legacy of service, integrity, and compassion that will endure for generations,” his obituary read in part. The full obituary can be read here.
Additionally, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office announced that an outside organizer has planned a candlelight vigil in Utt’s honor for Friday, June 5, from 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Those planning to attend are asked to park in front of the complex and walk down to the draped cruiser. The sheriff’s office has also asked that you remain in the grassy area to the left of the sheriff’s office entrance and said not to block the sally port.
“This will be a respectful gathering, and we ask that noise and conversation be kept to a minimum. We also ask that no balloons be released,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post. “Thank you to everyone continuing to show love, prayers, and support for Logan’s family, friends, and fellow deputies during this difficult time.”
June 1, 4 p.m. UPDATE
The suspect in the killing of a Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy has been extradited to Virginia and is facing multiple charges, according to records.
Puckett faces the following charges:
- Two counts of assault firearm use in commission of a felony
- Convicted felon (Violent) possess/transport firearm
- Convicted felon possess taser, explosives, ammunition other weapon
- Attempted murder of law enforcement officer
- Murder of a law enforcement officer
Puckett is currently being held in the New River Regional Jail without bond.
June 1, 8 a.m. UPDATE
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a ceremonial escort for fallen Deputy Logan Utt on Monday.
The funeral procession is scheduled to leave Roanoke at noon, with deputies leading the way to Moody Funeral Service in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
The procession route is as follows:
- Interstate 81 to Interstate 77
- Interstate 77 to Exit 8
- Chance’s Creek Road to Fancy Gap Highway
- South on Fancy Gap Highway through Cana and into Mount Airy
May 31, 11:43 p.m. UPDATE:
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) has released more details about Michael Puckett’s arrest. In a Facebook post, the agency says Puckett was arrested at 8:32 pm Sunday night in Surry County, North Carolina.
NCSBI says Puckett was arrested peacefully but was armed with a handgun at the time of his arrest. Agents reportedly used a drone to scan the area and found him ringing the doorbell of a house near Mt. Airy, N.C.
According to the post, Puckett has been booked into Surry County Detention Center without bond and will have a hearing Monday.
May 31, 9:19 p.m. UPDATE:
Michael Puckett, the man sought by law enforcement in connection with the killing of a Carroll County Sheriff’s deputy, has been arrested, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office said.
CCSO said Puckett was apprehended in Surry County, N.C., on Sunday. They thanked neighboring law enforcement agencies for their support in the investigation.
May 31, 2:15 p.m. UPDATE:
Michael Puckett, the man being sought by law enforcement in connection with the killing of a Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy, has been spotted on a wildlife game camera in North Carolina, Wytheville Police Department said.
WPD provided an update on Sunday afternoon stating Puckett was spotted on a wildlife game camera near Greenhill Road in Surry County, N.C., around 6:56 a.m. on Sunday. This is north of Mount Airy, N.C.
In addition to the $10,000 reward for information leading to Puckett’s arrest posted by the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI is now offering an additional $50,000 reward.
We will continue to update you with more information as it becomes available.
ORIGINAL STORY:
An armed and dangerous man is on the run after authorities say he fatally shot a Carroll County deputy and injured another Friday night.
According to Sheriff Kevin Kemp, deputies were dispatched around 9:26 p.m. to a home at 13658 Fancy Gap Highway after a family member requested a welfare check.
Two deputies arrived and made contact with a man identified as Michael Puckett. Authorities say Puckett opened fire on the responding deputies.
Both deputies were hit by gunfire. Unfortunately, Deputy Logan Utt, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. He joined the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in 2023.
The second deputy was hit in his ballistic vest and is receiving medical evaluation. Officials said the deputy is expected to be okay.
Puckett remains at large. Law enforcement agencies are conducting a coordinated search and warn that he should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Anyone who sees Puckett or has information about his whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to call 911 immediately. In addition, the United States Marshals Service is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Puckett’s arrest.
“We’re not asking an entire large community to shelter in place, but be absolutely alerted, stay informed on what the latest is, and there may be messages of sheltering if there’s a location or a lead on a particular area.”
Cory McGookin, executive director for the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. Law enforcement has also asked anyone with footage from surveillance or trail/hunting cameras to check for any suspicious activity. They have also asked locals to lock vehicles, doors, and sheds and avoid leaving items outside that could assist Puckett to elude capture.
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Wytheville Field Office, also said they are investigating the officer-involved shooting portion of this incident.