A large, coordinated manhunt is underway in Virginia for an “armed and very harmful” suspect who allegedly ambushed two deputies throughout a welfare examine Friday night time, killing a army veteran and injuring a second officer.
Carroll County Sheriff’s Workplace deputy Logan Utt, 31, was killed within the assault, in response to Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp.
The US Marshals Service is providing a $10,000 reward for suspect Michael Puckett.
The lethal encounter unfolded simply earlier than 9:30 p.m. native time, when the 2 Carroll County deputies have been dispatched to a house after a member of the family requested a welfare examine.
When the deputies met with Puckett, he allegedly opened fireplace, killing Utt and wounding the second officer — whose life was saved by his ballistic vest, in response to authorities.
The deputies returned fireplace, however Puckett fled the scene and stays at massive.
The sheriff’s workplace warned the general public to not method him and name 911 instantly if he’s noticed.
Utt joined the power in 2023 after serving the nation as a army veteran.
“Turning into a deputy sheriff was a lifelong dream, and he labored every single day to make Carroll County a safer place,” Kemp wrote in an announcement Saturday. “As we speak, Carroll County has misplaced a hero, and a household has suffered an unimaginable loss.”
Utt leaves behind a spouse and youngsters. The wounded deputy is recovering in steady situation.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger confirmed her workplace is carefully monitoring the scenario, urging anybody with data on Puckett’s whereabouts to return ahead.
“Deputy Logan Utt’s sacrifice is a testomony to his bravery and dedication to his group,” Spanberger wrote in an announcement on X. “Adam and I are praying for Deputy Utt’s household, the injured officer throughout his restoration, and for the protection of all of our brave women and men in legislation enforcement.”
The Virginia State Police is main the investigation.
