Accused Cop Killer Extradited to Virginia

Puckett Extradited to Virginia After Surry County Arrest in Deputy Shooting Case

Michael Timothy Puckett, 55, accused in the fatal shooting of Carroll County, Virginia, Deputy Sheriff Logan Utt and the wounding of another deputy, has been extradited to Virginia following his arrest in Surry County, authorities said.

Puckett was taken into custody on May 31 in Surry County after North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation agents located him at a home on Skyview Lane in Mount Airy. Officials said he was arrested at about 8:32 p.m. while armed with a handgun, but was taken into custody without incident.

The NCSBI said agents used drone surveillance to track Puckett’s movements before he approached a residence, where he was detained in a driveway after arriving at the door. Investigators said a nearby resident called 911 after spotting him on the property.

Authorities said the location was only a few miles from the Virginia border near the area where the shooting occurred during a welfare check on May 29.

Following a court appearance in North Carolina on June 1, Puckett waived extradition, allowing for his transfer to Virginia. He has since been transported and is being held at the New River Valley Regional Jail without bond.

Court records and law enforcement officials say Puckett faces multiple charges in Virginia, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, murder of a law enforcement officer, two counts of assault with a firearm during the commission of a felony, and multiple weapons-related charges tied to possession by a convicted felon.

He also has prior convictions in North Carolina, according to the NC Department of Adult Correction public records.

Officials say the case stems from a welfare check requested by a family member at Puckett’s residence that escalated into gunfire, killing Deputy Utt and injuring a second deputy, who is being treated for injuries.

Investigators also confirmed Puckett had been spotted earlier in the region, including on a trail camera meant for spotting wildlife, north of Mount Airy during the manhunt.

The SBI credited coordination among local, state, and federal partners for the arrest and thanked the public for assistance during the search.