Suspect in Shooting of Virginia Lawmaker Arrested in North Carolina
A man described as “armed and extremely dangerous” has been captured in North Carolina, linked to the shooting death of a Virginia lawmaker, authorities announced on Sunday.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office reported that Michael Puckett was located in Surry County following an intense manhunt. Authorities revealed that he was detected on a wildlife camera early Sunday at approximately 6:56 a.m. on Greenhill Road, located north of Mount Airy. A photo released showed Puckett wearing a baseball cap and some kind of covering, which gave off an eerie vibe.
Puckett allegedly attacked two deputies who were conducting a welfare check on Friday night. Deputy Logan Att, a 31-year-old veteran, was killed in the incident, and another deputy was injured, though his life was spared due to his bulletproof vest.
Prior to Puckett’s arrest, the FBI had offered a reward of up to $50,000 for any information that would help locate him. The U.S. Marshals Service added a $10,000 reward, totaling $60,000. It’s unclear, however, if these rewards played a role in leading to his capture.
Puckett faces charges of aggravated murder in Virginia. His arrest was part of a coordinated effort that involved multiple agencies including the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, and both local and state law enforcement.
The tragic incident unfolded just before 9:30 p.m. local time when two deputies responded to the home at the family’s request. During the encounter, Puckett allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting Utt and injuring another deputy, who fortunately was saved by body armor.
Deputies returned fire, but Puckett managed to flee the scene at that time.
Logan Utt had joined the military in 2023 and had long aspired to serve as a sheriff’s deputy, dedicating himself to making Carroll County a safer place. Sheriff Kevin Kemp expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Today, Carroll County lost a hero and his family suffered an unimaginable loss.”
Utt is survived by his wife and children, while the injured deputy is currently in stable condition. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger remarked that Deputy Utt’s sacrifice highlights his bravery and commitment to the community, offering prayers for the families affected and for all in law enforcement.
