Published May 29th, 2026
At approximately 9:26 p.m. on May 29, officers with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a welfare check at a residence on Fancy Gap Highway at the request of a family member. Upon arrival, they encountered Michael Puckett, who reportedly opened fire on the officers. The officers returned fire. Both officers sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange. One officer later died from his injuries, while the second was struck in his ballistic vest, transported to a hospital, and remains in stable condition.
The officer who died was identified as Logan Utt. The identity of the injured officer has not been publicly released. Michael Puckett remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the case, and the U.S. Marshals Service has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to his apprehension.
