Manhunt ends in North Carolina after gunman kills Virginia deputy and injures another, officials say

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WJZY/WNCN) — A nearly three-day manhunt at the North Carolina-Virginia border ended Sunday night after a man accused of killing a deputy was caught in Surry County, North Carolina, on Sunday night.

Read more Transforming Lives: Johnston County woman’s recovery journey and benefit for the community

Michael Puckett, 48, was apparently caught on a trail camera in North Carolina over the weekend, leading to his capture after the search initially began Friday in Carroll County, Virginia.

The incident began Friday when deputies were called to a home on Fancy Gap Highway just after 9:25 p.m., after a family member requested a welfare check, according to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.

When deputies arrived and made contact with Puckett, authorities say he opened fire on the responding deputies.

Deputy Sheriff Logan Utt, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office (Credit: NC State Bureau of Investigation)

Both deputies were struck by gunfire. One deputy, later identified as Deputy Sheriff Logan Utt, tragically died from his injuries, while the second deputy was hit in his ballistic vest and is reported to be in stable condition. The second deputy has not been identified.

Investigators say Puckett fled the scene and was on the run for several hours. Authorities warn that Puckett was armed. A Public Safety Alert was issued for Puckett after he was reportedly spotted in the North Franklin area of Greenhill and Lakemont in Surry County, North Carolina.

Read more Crime report shows sharp rise of Durham shooting deaths and injuries compared to first quarter last year

Law enforcement agencies across the region, including the Mount Airy Police Department and the City of Mount Airy, North Carolina, are assisting in the search. The FBI, DEA, ATF, and US Marshals Office also assisted in the investigation.

NOW PLAYING

Just after 8:30 p.m. Sunday, agents with the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation located Puckett in Surry County in the 100 block of Skyview Lane in Mount Airy.

Police say he was taken into custody without incident, but he was armed with a handgun at the time of his arrest.

Puckett is being held at the Surry County Detention Center in Dobson without bond. His hearing is scheduled for Monday.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Deputy Utt, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” NC SBI officials say.

Read more Raleigh watch parties planned for Carolina Hurricanes games in Stanley Cup Final

By admin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *