06/01/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Surry County Sheriff’s Office received numerous tips and leads over the weekend that assisted investigators in the apprehension of Michael Timothy Puckett.
Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt would like to express his sincere appreciation to the men and women of the Surry County Sheriff’s Office for the countless hours and tireless efforts they dedicated since Friday night when this tragic incident occurred in Carroll County, Virginia. Sheriff Hiatt also extends his gratitude to the citizens of Surry County and surrounding communities whose vigilance and willingness to provide information played a significant role in locating and apprehending Puckett.
On June 1, 2026, Puckett waived extradition proceedings in Surry County District Court and was released into custody of Virginia authorities. Puckett has since been transported back to Carroll County, where he will face charges stemming from the murder of Deputy Logan Utt.
Sheriff Hiatt would also like to recognize and thank the many agencies that provided assistance during the operation on May 31, 2026:
- Mount Airy Police Department
- Surry County Communications (E-911)
- Surry County Emergency Medical Services
- Surry County EM1
- Surry County OEM
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations (NCSBI)
- North Carolina Highway Patrol (NCSHP)
- Franklin Volunteer Fire Department
- United States Marshals Service
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Alcohol To***co and Fi****ms (ATF)
- Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
- Patrick County Sheriff’s Office
- Henry County Sheriff’s Office
- Virginia State Police
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist AirCare
- North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
Sheriff Hiatt also wishes to thank the many additional sheriff’s offices, police departments, state agencies, and federal partners from across North Carolina and Virginia that offered support, resources, and personnel during this investigation and manhunt.
As this case moves forward through the judicial process, we ask everyone to continue keeping Deputy Utt’s wife, children, coworkers, extended family, and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt and the members of the Surry County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to supporting our law enforcement partners and seeking justice for Deputy Utt and his family