Va. Deputy Killed, Another Wounded in Welfare Check Shooting

A suspect opened fire during a welfare check, killing Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Logan Utt and wounding another deputy before fleeing and sparking a manhunt.
Source Officer.com News
May 30, 2026
2 min read
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What to know

  • Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Logan Utt was shot and killed and another wounded during a welfare check when a suspect opened fire on responding deputies.
  • Utt was fatally wounded at the scene, while a second deput—protected by a ballistic vest—survived and is in stable condition.
  • The suspect fled and remains at large as a manhunt continues, with authorities offering a reward for information leading to his capture.
Carroll County, VA, Sheriff's Office
Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Logan Utt

A suspected gunman remains on the run after opening fire during a welfare check, killing Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Logan Utt and wounding another deputy who survived thanks to protective gear.

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A Virginia deputy was killed and another was wounded in a shooting during a welfare check Friday, and the suspect remains at large.

Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Logan Utt and another deputy were responding to a request from a family member to conduct a welfare check just before 9:30 p.m., the agency stated in a news release posted to social media. When they reached residence, the deputies encountered Michael Puckett, who began shooting.

The deputies returned fire, but they were both struck in the exchange. Utt suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The unidentified deputy was struck in his ballistic vest. He was being treated and was in stable condition.

Puckett fled the residence, and a manhunt is currently underway. He's considered armed and dangerous, and the the U.S. Marshal’s Service is offering a $10 thousand reward for information leading to his capture, WDBJ-TV reports.

Utt had been with the sheriff's office since 2023. He had previously served in the military.

"Becoming a deputy sheriff was a lifelong dream, and he worked every day to make Carroll County a safer place," Sheriff Kevin A. Kemp said in a statement.

"His service, courage, and dedication will not be forgotten," he added.

About the Author

Joe Vince
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Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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