NORTH CAROLINA — A Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputy was killed and another deputy was injured Thursday night after a suspect opened fire during a welfare check, according to Sheriff Kevin A. Kemp.
The incident began at approximately 9:26 p.m. when the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office received a request from a family member to conduct a welfare check at a residence located at 13658 Fancy Gap Highway.
Deputies responded to the home and made contact with a man identified as Michael Puckett. During the encounter, authorities said Puckett opened fire on the responding deputies. The deputies returned fire.
Both deputies were struck by gunfire. One deputy suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. The second deputy was struck in his ballistic vest and was transported for medical evaluation. Officials reported that deputy is in stable condition.
Following the shooting, Puckett fled the scene, prompting a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
On Sunday, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office announced that Puckett had been apprehended in Surry County, North Carolina.
“Michael Puckett has been apprehended in Surry County, NC. Thank you to all neighboring law enforcement agencies and the entire community for your assistance in the capture,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Additional details regarding Puckett’s arrest and any charges have not yet been released.
The shooting remains under investigation.
