Deputy Sheriff Logan Utt, 31, was shot and killed in the line of duty on the evening of May 29, 2026, in Cana, a community in Carroll County, Virginia. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Utt had served with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office for over two years and previously volunteered with the Cana Volunteer Fire Department and the Mount Airy Fire Department. He was married and a father of two.

At about 9:26 p.m. deputies were dispatched to a welfare check on Fancy Gap Highway. A man at the residence, identified as Michael Puckett, opened fire on the two deputies. Utt was fatally wounded; the other deputy was struck in his ballistic vest, treated, and survived. Deputies returned fire and the suspect fled, triggering a multi-agency manhunt.

Puckett was captured in North Carolina two days later and has been charged with murder. The suspect is reported to be a convicted felon with a prior criminal history. Utt’s death prompted a large public outpouring as colleagues, first responders, and community members paid their respects.

Did anyone in the area witness the welfare check or have information about the suspect’s movements that night?