Fears as 'armed and dangerous' fugitive on the run for killing a cop is spotted on trail cam in North Carolina

Published: 01:58, 1 June 2026 | Updated: 02:07, 1 June 2026 An 'armed and dangerous' suspect wanted for killing a Virginia cop remains on the loose after being spotted on a wildlife camera in North Carolina. Fugitive Michael Timothy Puckett, 55, is accused of fatally shooting Deputy Logan Utt on Friday after the officer was dispatched to conduct a welfare check at a home in Carroll County.  Two officers arrived at the home on Fancy Gap Highway at 9.26pm, where they made contact with Puckett.  Police say Puckett allegedly opened fire on both officers, killing Utt, while the second officer - whose identity has not been released - was struck in his ballistic vest and is expected to recover.  The alleged cop killer then went on the run. He was spotted on a trail camera in Surry County early Sunday morning, Wytheville Police Department said. Footage released by the department shows the suspect wearing a baseball cap, moving through a secluded wooded area.  But the manhunt remains underway as the FBI and state police offer a combined reward of $60,000 for information leading to the 55-year-old's arrest. Puckett is described as 5'10", white, about 190 lbs, and bald, and faces aggravated murder charges.  Fugitive Michael Timothy Puckett, 55, is accused of fatally shooting Deputy Logan Utt on Friday The alleged cop killer was spotted on a trail camera in Surry County early Sunday morning Utt is remembered as a 'devoted husband, loving father, cherished family member, friend, and respected member of our law enforcement family' The investigation remains active and ongoing, with officials urging anyone with outdoor surveillance footage to check for suspicious activity. Police added that residents should lock vehicles, doors, and sheds and avoid leaving items outside that could help Puckett escape capture.  Tributes have poured in for the slain deputy, who joined the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in 2023.  'It is with deep sadness that I confirm the loss of Carroll County Sheriff's Office Deputy Logan Utt, who was killed in the line of duty while serving our community,' Sheriff Kevin A Kemp said in a statement. 'Deputy Utt joined the Carroll County Sheriff's Office in 2023 after serving our nation as a military veteran. Becoming a deputy sheriff was a lifelong dream, and he worked every day to make Carroll County a safer place.' The investigation remains active and ongoing FBI and state police offer a combined reward of $60,000 for information leading to the 55-year-old's arrest Utt is remembered as a 'devoted husband, loving father, cherished family member, friend, and respected member of our law enforcement family.' 'His service, courage, and dedication will not be forgotten,' Kemp said, asking the communitiy to keep the late officer's family in thoughts and prayers. 'Carroll County has lost a hero, and a family has suffered an unimaginable loss,' he added. The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.