US Marshals offer $10K reward in Virginia manhunt for deputy’s alleged killer
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A massive, coordinated manhunt is underway in Virginia for an “armed and extremely dangerous” suspect who allegedly ambushed two deputies during a welfare check Friday night, killing a trooper and wounding a second officer.
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputy Logan Utt, 31, was killed in the attack, according to Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp.
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $10,000 reward for suspect Michael Puckett.
Michael Puckett is accused of shooting two Virginia lawmakers, killing one. (Carroll County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)
FALLEN VIRGINIA POLICE OFFICER’S FAMILY SAYS HIS 25-YEAR-OLD FATHER ‘DID NOT HESITATE’ TO HELP THOSE IN NEED
The deadly encounter unfolded just before 9:30 p.m. local time when two Carroll County deputies were dispatched to a home after a family member requested welfare.
When deputies met with Puckett, he allegedly opened fire, killing Utt and wounding the second officer, whose life was saved by his ballistic vest, according to authorities.
Deputies returned fire, but Puckett fled the scene and remains at large.
Virginia State Police are searching for Michael Puckett, who is wanted for allegedly shooting two deputies and killing one in Carroll County, Virginia. (Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images, File)
POLICE CLAIM THAT THE SUSPECT AMBUSHED AND SHOT THE MP DURING A ROUTINE MEETING THAT SHOCKED THE QUIET CITY
The sheriff’s office warned the public not to approach him and to call 911 immediately if spotted.
Utt joined the force in 2023 after serving the country as a veteran.
“Becoming a deputy sheriff has been a lifelong dream, and he has worked every day to make Carroll County a safer place,” Kemp said in a statement Saturday. he wrote. “Today, Carroll County lost a hero and a family suffered an unimaginable loss.”
Virginia State Police are handling the investigation. (Karen Bleier/AFP via Getty Images, File)
TWO VIRGINIA BEACH POLICE OFFICERS WERE SHOT AND KILLED IN A ‘DEFENSELESS’ CONDITION DURING A NIGHT TRAFFIC STOP
Utt leaves behind a wife and children. The injured MP’s health condition is improving.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger confirmed her office was monitoring the situation closely and urged anyone with information on Puckett’s whereabouts to come forward.
“Deputy Logan Utt’s sacrifice is a testament to his courage and commitment to his community,” Spanberger wrote in a statement about X. “Adam and I pray for Deputy Utt’s family, for the injured officer during his recovery, and for the safety of all our brave men and women in law enforcement.”
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Virginia State Police are handling the investigation.
This is an evolving story. Please check back for updates.
