CARROLL COUNTY, Va. — A manhunt is underway in Virginia after a sheriff’s deputy was killed and another was injured during a welfare check Friday night.
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Deputies with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on Fancy Gap Highway just before 9:30 p.m. Eastern, after a family member requested a welfare check.
Investigators said the deputies encountered Michael Puckett, who reportedly opened fire on them. The deputies returned fire.
The deputy who was killed was identified as Logan Utt, a military veteran who joined the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in 2023.
A second deputy was struck in a ballistic vest and was considered stable while receiving medical evaluation.
Authorities said Puckett fled the scene and remained at large as of Saturday afternoon.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are assisting in the search for Puckett, including the Surry County Sheriff’s Office and the Mount Airy Police Department.
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“The Surry County Sheriff’s Office is actively assisting Carroll County and have been assisting them since the incident occurred last night,” Maj. Scott Hudson said.
Law enforcement officials warned that Puckett should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Anyone who sees him or knows where he may be is urged not to approach him and to call 911 immediately.
“My office is closely monitoring this tragic incident,” Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger wrote on social media. “I encourage anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to contact Virginia State Police. My thoughts are with the deputy’s family and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office as we work through this awful situation.”
“Today, Carroll County has lost a hero, and a family has suffered an unimaginable loss,” Sheriff Kevin A. Kemp said.
Utt was a devoted husband and father who had described becoming a deputy sheriff as a lifelong dream, according to the sheriff’s office. Officials asked the community to keep his wife, children, family and fellow deputies in their thoughts and prayers.
The investigation remains active, and officials said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.