Virginia Deputy Killed In Carroll County Ambush; Manhunt For Armed Suspect Ongoing
Deputy Logan Utt, 31, was killed in an ambush during a welfare check in Carroll County on Friday night, May 29, 2026, and a manhunt is underway for suspect Michael Puckett.[1]
The ambush occurred just before 9:30 p.m. local time as two Carroll County deputies conducted the welfare check at a home requested by a family member.[1] Utt died at the scene; a second deputy survived because his ballistic vest stopped the round and is recovering in stable condition.[1] Sheriff Kevin Kemp called Utt a hero and said Utt had dreamed of being a deputy.[1] Gov. Abigail Spanberger issued a public statement honoring Utt and urging tips on Puckett's whereabouts, and the U.S. Marshals Service has offered a $10,000 reward.[1]
Utt was a military veteran who joined the Carroll County Sheriff's Office in 2023.[1] The manhunt remains active, and authorities urged anyone with information to contact investigators.[2]
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📌 Key Facts
- The suspect has been identified as Michael Puckett, and the U.S. Marshals Service has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
- The ambush occurred just before 9:30 p.m. local time on Friday, May 29, 2026, when two welfare check deputies from Carroll County went to a home at the request of a family member.
- Deputy Logan Utt, 31, a military veteran who joined the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in 2023, was identified as the deputy killed in the shooting.
- Authorities say a second deputy survived because his ballistic vest stopped the round; he is recovering in stable condition.
- Sheriff Kevin Kemp called Utt a hero and said Utt had dreamed of being a deputy sheriff, and Gov. Abigail Spanberger issued a public statement honoring Utt and urging tips on Puckett's whereabouts.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Article confirms the suspect's name as Michael Puckett and notes that the U.S. Marshals Service has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
- The ambush occurred just before 9:30 p.m. local time on Friday, May 29, 2026, when two Carroll County deputies conducted a welfare check at a home requested by a family member.
- Deputy Logan Utt, 31, a military veteran who joined the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in 2023, was identified as the deputy killed in the shooting.
- Authorities state the second deputy survived because his ballistic vest stopped the round; he is described as recovering in stable condition.
- Sheriff Kevin Kemp said Utt had dreamed of being a deputy sheriff and called him a hero, while Gov. Abigail Spanberger issued a public statement honoring Utt and urging tips on Puckett's whereabouts.