CARROLL COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — A deputy was fatally shot, and another was injured during a welfare check in Carroll County on Friday night. Authorities say the suspect remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Around 9:26 p.m., deputies with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office received a welfare check request from a family member at 13658 Fancy Gap Highway.
When deputies arrived, two made contact with a man identified as Michael Puckett. According to the sheriff’s office, Puckett fired on the responding deputies, and they returned fire.
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Authorities said both of the deputies were shot. One deputy sustained fatal injuries. He has been identified as Logan Utt.
Deputy Logan Utt was killed in the line of duty on May 29, 2026. (Carroll County Sheriff’s Office)
The second deputy was struck in his ballistic vest. The sheriff’s office said he is currently receiving medical evaluation and is reportedly in stable condition.
Officials said Puckett took off and remains at large, and a coordinated law enforcement search is underway.
“Puckett should be considered armed and extremely dangerous,” said the sheriff’s office. “Anyone who sees him or has information regarding his whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to immediately call 911.”
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Wytheville Field Office, is currently investigating the officer-involved shooting portion of this incident.
The investigation is ongoing. The United States Marshals Service is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Puckett. Anyone with information is asked to call the Virginia State Police at 540-444-7788.
ABC13 will update as we learn more.
