Smyth County Sheriff's Office

06/01/2026

Carroll County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Michael Puckett has been taken into custody.

05/31/2026

If anyone’s has any information that could lead to the arrest of Michael Timothy Puckett, please contact your local law enforcement agency or the U.S. Marshals.

05/30/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the fallen deputy, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office,the injured deputy and his family, and the entire Carroll County community this morning as we learn of this tragic incident. We ask that everyone keep these and everyone one involved with the ongoing search for the suspect in your prayers and that he is taken into custody without further incident.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At approximately 9:26 p.m., the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office received a request from a family member to conduct a welfare check at 13658 Fancy Gap Highway.

Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the residence. Upon arrival, two deputies made contact with a male subject identified as Michael Puckett. During the encounter, Puckett opened fire on the responding deputies. Deputies returned fire.

Both deputies were struck by gunfire. One deputy sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. The second deputy was struck in his ballistic vest and is currently receiving medical evaluation and is reported to be in stable condition.

Michael Puckett fled the scene and remains at large. A coordinated law enforcement search is currently underway.

Puckett should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Anyone who sees him or has information regarding his whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to immediately call 911.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Sheriff Kevin A. Kemp

05/26/2026

We were honored to be apart of the Marion Memorial Day Parade. Thank you to everyone who braved the weather to pay tribute to those who made the the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our nation.

05/25/2026

Please take a moment out of your busy schedule today to remember that our freedom isn’t free. There’s been countless patriots through the years that paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy here in the greatest nation on earth.

05/25/2026

🚔 This Memorial Day, as we honor and remember those who gave everything for our freedom, please do your part to keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.

A seat belt takes seconds to put on — but it can save a life. Buckle up every trip, every time. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

We want to remind everyone to celebrate Memorial Day responsibly. Please don’t drive while intoxicated.