North Carolina authorities deployed wildlife camera technology and aerial drones to track down and capture a man accused of killing a Virginia sheriff’s deputy during what was supposed to be a routine welfare check, officials announced.
Michael Puckett, 55, was taken into custody Sunday evening in Surry County, North Carolina, just a few miles south of the Virginia border. Law enforcement found him carrying a firearm as he approached the front door of a residence. He remains held without bail, according to the state bureau of investigation. The manhunt involved multiple police agencies working together.
During Monday’s extradition proceedings, Puckett declined legal representation and agreed to be transferred back to Virginia, WXII-TV reported.
The deadly incident began Friday when Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a family member’s request for a wellness check in Virginia. Upon arrival at the residence, a man inside opened fire on the responding officers, who shot back in defense. Both deputies sustained gunshot wounds before the shooter fled the scene. Additional people inside the home were unharmed during the exchange, Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp confirmed.
Deputy Logan Utt lost his life in the shooting. His partner, who was protected by body armor when struck, has been released from medical care and is recovering at his residence in stable condition, Kemp reported Sunday.
Law enforcement launched an extensive search operation for the gunman, who was captured on a trail camera in Surry County, North Carolina, near Mount Airy on Sunday morning. Investigators then deployed unmanned aircraft to monitor his location and movement patterns.
The fallen deputy, age 31, served his country in the military before joining the sheriff’s department in 2023. A memorial convoy was planned for Monday afternoon, traveling from Roanoke, Virginia, to Mount Airy, where Utt previously worked as a firefighter.
“He had a servant’s heart. He cared for others, he cared for his country, he cared for his family,” Kemp said.
