Deputy, military veteran dies in shooting with man considered ’armed and extremely dangerous’

CARROLL COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ/Gray News) - A deputy in Virginia lost his life in a shooting Friday night while conducting a welfare check.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office identified the deputy killed as Logan Utt. He was a military veteran who joined the department in 2023.

Carroll County authorities said a manhunt continues for the man, Michael Puckett, wanted in the shooting death of Utt.

According to the sheriff’s office, the situation started when it received a request to conduct a welfare check at a home.

When deputies arrived, they made contact with Puckett, who fired at both of them. Deputies returned fire, but both deputies were struck.

Utt was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the shooting. The second deputy was struck in his ballistic vest and is receiving medical evaluation, authorities said.

The sheriff’s office noted that Puckett should be considered “armed and extremely dangerous.”

The U.S. Marshal’s Service is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Puckett’s arrest. Authorities urged anyone who has information regarding his whereabouts or sees him to call 911.