VACP Recommends Shrouding of Badges for Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Logan Utt

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police recommends that all Virginia law enforcement officers shroud their badges in honor of Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Logan Utt who lost his life in the line of duty on Friday, May 29, 2026.

Shrouding is recommended through the day of funeral services, TBD. 

The VACP expresses our sincerest condolences to Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp and to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen deputy. Our prayers are with them at this most difficult time. 

We will update this post with additional information as it is received.
 

At approximately 9:26 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 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