FBI launches desperate search for 'armed and extremely dangerous' Virginia man with shocking criminal history after he killed military veteran turned cop

By LAURA PARNABY, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 20:10, 31 May 2026 | Updated: 20:15, 31 May 2026 The FBI has launched an urgent search for an 'armed and extremely dangerous' career criminal after he allegedly gunned down a young veteran in Virginia on Friday.  Michael Timothy Puckett, 55, is accused of killing Carroll County Sheriff Logan Utt, 31, close to Fancy Gap in the south of the state at about 9.30pm.  Utt, who was a father, had been conducting a welfare check with another deputy, who was also shot and wounded, but survived thanks to his ballistic vest.  Almost 48 hours later, Puckett is still on the run and the FBI has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.  Police records seen by the Daily Mail show that Puckett has been arrested on 29 previous occasions in Virginia over the past decade.  He has been accused of a litany of felony offenses, including arson in July 2023, and several crimes related to the possession and manufacture of explosives.  The US Marshals Service urged anyone who sees Puckett to dial 911 and exercise extreme caution. The agency said Puckett has tattoos on both arms and his neck and may have ties to the Cana and Ararat areas of Virginia.  FBI Director Kash Patel shared a post from the agency's Norfolk field office on Sunday.  Carroll County Sheriff Logan Utt, 31, was fatally shot on Friday evening in southern Virginia Michael Timothy Puckett, 55, has been charged with murdering Utt. Puckett, pictured in 2019, remains on the run. The FBI has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest 'The Carroll County Sheriff's Office is surging local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to locate and capture Michael Timothy Puckett,' the post read. 'Additional resources from the FBI, US Marshals, ATF, along with multiple local agencies continue to assist the Carroll County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police.'  FBI Norfolk said Puckett fled the scene of the shooting and has not been seen since. He is charged with murdering a police officer.  'We are asking the public to check surveillance video or trail/hunting camera images to assist in real-time tracking of the fugitive,' the field office added.  'We also ask home and business owners to lock your vehicles, close your garage doors, lock up your sheds and do not leave anything outside Puckett could use to assist him to elude capture. Call 911 if you see Puckett.'  Puckett was first convicted for possessing an explosive in 2015, and he was charged multiple times with similar crimes over the next few years.  The US Marshals Service described Puckett as an 'explosives expert' with 'violent tendencies' and urged anyone who sees him to exercise extreme caution Puckett is still on the run and the FBI has offered a $10,000 reward for information  Carroll County Sheriff's Office said Utt, pictured above, was a devoted father and husband who joined the police department in 2023 after serving in the US military  He was convicted the following year of illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun and  altering a firearm's serial number.  Puckett served prison time for these cases, but much of his sentence was suspended.  He had been awaiting trial on three felony cases when he shot military veteran Utt dead.  Utt's heartbroken colleagues issued a statement confirming his death.  Carroll County Sheriff's Office said he joined the department in 2023 after serving in the US military.  'Becoming a deputy sheriff was a lifelong dream, and he worked every day to make Carroll County a safer place,' the sheriff's office said.  'Deputy Utt was 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.'  'Deputy Utt was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished family member, friend, and respected member of our law enforcement family,' the sheriff's office said  Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger also paid tribute to the fallen police officer Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger also paid tribute to the fallen police officer.  'Deputy Logan Utt’s sacrifice is a testament to his bravery and dedication to his community,' she wrote on X.  'To Deputy Utt’s family, friends, and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office - as you grieve, know that the entire Commonwealth stands with you at this extremely difficult time.  'Adam and I are praying for Deputy Utt’s family, the injured officer during his recovery, and for the safety of all of our courageous men and women in law enforcement.' 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