Surry County Sheriffs Office

10/08/2026

In 2026, the Surry County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating 255 years of serving the citizens of this great county, as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. On April 3, 1771, the justices of a land area designated from Rowan County, covering the territory that is now Surry, Yadkin, Forsyth, and Stokes Counties and undeveloped areas westward, appointed Martin Armstrong the first sheriff of Surry. At that time, the county seat was established in Richmond, North Carolina, which is near the present-day community of Donnaha in the Old Richmond township of Northwest Forsyth County. A courthouse was constructed, which was destroyed years after being abandoned.

Six different appointed sheriffs served the county through the American Revolution in Richmond until 1789, when the county was divided geographically north to south, and the new county seat was established in Rockford, which is now an unincorporated community in the south-central area of Surry County near the Yadkin County line. Part two will cover our time with Rockford as the county seat.

09/22/2026

Please join us in congratulating seven Surry County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were honored with Life Saving Awards at last night’s Board of Commissioners meeting!
These deputies demonstrated exceptional bravery, quick thinking, and dedication to preserving life in our community:

• Deputy Dylan Robertson and Deputy Faby Bullington were recognized for extraordinary bravery during a serious three-vehicle collision in March. Facing an active vehicle fire, they acted decisively to pull occupants from the wreckage and bring them to safety.

• Senior Officer James Watson, Deputy Ryan Hemric, and Sergeant Ron Draur were honored for their life-saving actions during an overdose call in June, where they promptly recognized cardiac arrest, administered Narcan, and initiated CPR.

• Sergeant Tyler Hurst and Deputy Sam Whitaker were recognized for their vital response to an overdose call in August, successfully administering Narcan and performing CPR after identifying that the patient was in cardiac arrest.

"As your Sheriff, I have no greater pride than to work alongside deputy sheriffs of this caliber," said Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt. "They make the Sheriff’s Office better and Surry County safer."

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Surry County Board of Commissioners for recognizing these deputies, as well as Chief Eric Southern and Hannah Simmons for assisting Sheriff Hiatt with the presentation.

Congratulations also to the local paramedics who received recognition during the meeting. Sheriff Hiatt and the entire Sheriff’s Office are deeply grateful for the strong partnership we share with our EMS and fellow first responders every day.

09/10/2026

09/01/2026

Surry County Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt Offers Labor Day Travel Safety Tips for the Community

As families and friends prepare to celebrate the Labor Day holiday, Surry County Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt is encouraging all residents and visitors to make safety their top priority on the road. With heavier-than-usual traffic expected, the Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to take extra precautions to ensure everyone arrives at their destinations safely.

"Labor Day is a time to relax, enjoy time with loved ones, and celebrate the hard work that keeps our community strong," said Sheriff Hiatt. "But it’s also a time when our roads can become more dangerous. By making smart choices behind the wheel, we can all help keep this holiday safe and enjoyable for everyone."

Sheriff Hiatt’s Labor Day Travel Safety Tips:
• Plan Ahead: Allow extra travel time to avoid rushing and reduce stress.
• Buckle Up: Ensure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt at all times.
• Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road—put away phones and other distractions.
• Don’t Drive Impaired: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle.
• Obey Speed Limits: Drive at a safe speed for conditions, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather.
• Stay Alert: Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, especially in busy areas.

"We’re proud of the sense of community here in Surry County," Sheriff Hiatt added. "Let’s look out for one another, drive responsibly, and make sure this Labor Day is remembered for good times—not preventable tragedies."

08/06/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR WALLET 🚨

The Surry County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports of a recurring phone scam targeting our residents. The caller is claiming to be Deputy Marty Doss with the Surry County Sheriff’s Office. The caller is claiming recipients have missed a jury duty date and must pay a fine to avoid arrest, Or telling residents they have an outstanding warrant , then asking for immediate payment of these fines. Please read and share this information to help protect your neighbors!

🛑 How the Scam Works

Scammers are calling citizens and posing as employees or deputies from the Sheriff’s Office. They often use high-pressure tactics, claiming:
• You have an outstanding warrant for your arrest.
• You missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately.
• You owe "legal fees" to avoid jail time.

⚠️ The Red Flags

The Sheriff’s Office will NEVER do the following:
1. Demand payment over the phone to clear a warrant or fine.
2. Request payment via prepaid debit cards, gift cards (like Apple or Google Play), wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
3. Threaten immediate arrest if you don't pay "right now."

✅ What You Should Do

• Hang Up Immediately: Don't engage with the caller.
• Verify the Call: If you are concerned about a legitimate legal matter, call our official office directly at 336-401-8900 or 336-374-3000, or visit us in person.
• Keep Your Info Private: Never give out your Social Security number, bank info, or birthdate to an unsolicited caller.

Remember: Scammers can "spoof" caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a local government number. Don't trust the name on the screen! Please make sure your elderly or higher-risk family members and neighbors are aware this is occurring!! Feel free to report any suspicious phone calls to the Sheriff’s Office when they occur!

Help us spread the word by hitting the SHARE button. Let's keep Surry County safe and scam-free! 🛡️

07/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Surry County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Suspect Following Criminal Investigation

On July 13, 2026, deputies with the Surry County Sheriff's Office received a report alleging criminal offenses involving a juvenile. Due to the nature of the allegations, the case was immediately assigned to the Surry County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division for further investigation.

As part of the investigation, detectives conducted numerous interviews, collected evidence, and coordinated a forensic interview through Haven of Hope Children’s Advocacy Center in Sparta, North Carolina. Detectives also worked closely with the Surry County District Attorney’s Office throughout the investigation.

Based upon the evidence obtained during the investigation, detectives established probable cause to obtain warrants charging Justin Edward Chandler with the following offenses:

- Four (4) counts of Felony Statutory R**e of a Child by an Adult
- One (1) count of Felony Statutory S*x Offense with a Child by an Adult
- Five (5) counts of Felony Indecent Liberties with a Child
- One (1) count of Felony Crime Against Nature
- Five (5) counts of Felony S*xual Act by a Substitute Parent or Custodian

Chandler was arrested on July 23, 2026, and appeared before a Surry County District Court Judge. He was ordered held without bond and remains confined in the Stokes County Sheriff's Office Detention Center.

The Surry County Sheriff's Office extends its appreciation to the staff of Willow Tree Cornerstone Child Advocacy Center, Haven of Hope Children’s Advocacy Center and all assisting agencies for their cooperation and assistance during this investigation.

To protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of the juvenile victim, no additional information will be released at this time.

07/28/2026

07/04/2026

As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation, Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July! 🇺🇸 🎇

06/03/2026

Please join us in praying for the Surry County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center family. Today, we suffered the loss of one of our own, Detention Officer Thomas James Smith III.

Please keep his family, friends, fellow shift members, and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We ask for God’s comfort, strength, and peace to surround all those affected by this tragic loss.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Rest easy, my friend. Your service, dedication, and friendship will not be forgotten. We will take it from here.

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