An “armed and extremely dangerous” man, connected to the shooting death of a Virginia lawmaker, was spotted by a wildlife camera in Surry County, North Carolina, on Sunday. This sighting has now boosted the reward for his capture significantly.
The suspect, identified as Michael Puckett, was recorded on camera at 6:56 a.m. on Greenhill Road, north of Mount Airy. A rather unsettling image was shared by the Wytheville Police Department, showing him in a baseball cap and a large coat.
Puckett is accused of ambushing two deputies during a welfare check on Friday night, which tragically resulted in the death of a veteran officer and the injury of another. According to Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp, Deputy Logan Att, age 31, lost his life in this incident.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for tips leading to Puckett’s capture, while the U.S. Marshals Service is adding another $10,000, totaling the reward to $60,000.
Puckett faces charges of aggravated murder in Virginia. The Richmond Field Office of the FBI is actively collaborating with local law enforcement, including the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police, in the ongoing hunt for him.
The deadly confrontation occurred just before 9:30 p.m., when two deputies arrived at Puckett’s home after family requests for a welfare check. Upon arrival, Puckett reportedly opened fire, resulting in Utt’s death and injuring another officer, who fortunately survived due to a bulletproof vest.
While the deputies did return fire, Puckett managed to escape and remains at large.
The sheriff’s office has advised the public not to approach Puckett if encountered, instructing them to call 911 immediately.
Deputy Utt had served in the military prior to his law enforcement career, fulfilling a lifelong dream of being a sheriff’s deputy. Sheriff Kemp expressed profound sorrow over the loss, stating, “Today, Carroll County lost a hero, and his family suffered an unimaginable loss.”
Utt is survived by a wife and children, while the other deputy is recovering in stable condition. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is closely monitoring the situation and has urged anyone with information about Puckett to come forward, emphasizing the sacrifice made by Deputy Utt in dedication to his community.
