A Carroll County Sheriff’s deputy was killed and a second deputy wounded after a man opened fire on responding officers during a welfare check Saturday night, authorities said. The suspect fled the scene and remains the focus of an intensive manhunt.
The shooting occurred at approximately 9:26 p.m. at a residence on Fancy Gap Highway, where deputies had been dispatched after a family member requested a welfare check, according to Carroll County Sheriff Kevin A. Kemp.
When deputies arrived, they made contact with a man identified as Michael Puckett. Authorities say the encounter quickly turned deadly.
Deputies Shot During Response
According to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Puckett allegedly opened fire on the two responding deputies.
The deputies returned fire, but both were struck by gunfire during the exchange.
One deputy suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. The second deputy was hit in a ballistic vest and was transported for medical evaluation. Authorities said the wounded deputy is in stable condition.
The name of the fallen deputy has not yet been released.
Suspect Escapes, Massive Search Underway
Following the shooting, authorities said Puckett fled the area and remains at large.
Multiple law enforcement agencies have launched a coordinated search effort as investigators work to locate the suspect.
Officials warned residents not to approach Puckett if he is seen.
“Puckett should be considered armed and extremely dangerous,” Sheriff Kemp said in a statement.
Law enforcement is urging anyone with information about Puckett’s whereabouts to immediately contact 911.
Key Points
• One Carroll County deputy was killed and another wounded during a welfare check Saturday night.
• Authorities say suspect Michael Puckett opened fire on responding deputies.
• Puckett fled the scene and remains the subject of an active manhunt.
Welfare Check Turns Deadly
The incident began with what authorities described as a routine welfare check request from a concerned family member.
Such calls are common for law enforcement agencies and typically involve checking on the well-being of an individual who may be in distress or unreachable.
Instead, deputies responding to the Fancy Gap Highway residence encountered gunfire moments after making contact with the suspect, according to investigators.
The shooting marks one of the most serious attacks on law enforcement in the region in recent years and has prompted a large-scale response from local and state agencies.
Investigation Remains Active
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting or whether the suspect may have been injured during the exchange of gunfire.
Investigators continue to process the scene while search teams work to locate Puckett.
Officials said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
As of Sunday, Michael Puckett remained at large, and law enforcement agencies continued urging the public to stay alert and report any sightings immediately.