In brief
North Carolina police discovered the suspect in a backyard just across the Virginia state line, arresting him for a death that tragically claimed a Virginia deputy. The arrest used advanced surveillance methods and marked a rapid cross‑state response following the incident.
Investigators in North Carolina used a wildlife game‑camera image and drone footage to locate and arrest Michael Puckett, a 55‑year‑old suspect in the fatal shooting of Virginia Sheriff’s Deputy Logan Utt.
On Friday, Deputies took a welfare check at a home near Carroll County. The shooting resulted in the death of Deputy Utt and injuries to a second deputy, who was wearing a ballistic vest. Deputies returned fire and the shooter fled.
The following Sunday, police in Surry County spotted Puckett on a wildlife camera and used a drone to track his movements. He was arrested Sunday night at a house a few miles from the Virginia state line, found in possession of a firearm.
He was booked without bond and faced extradition to Virginia. At an extradition hearing Monday he waived counsel and was set to be transported.
Deputy Utt, 31, was a military veteran who joined the department in 2023. A funeral procession is scheduled for Monday from Roanoke, Virginia to Mount Airy.
“He had a servant’s heart. He cared for others, his country, and his family,” said Sheriff Kevin Kemp.
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