VIRGINIA — 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 and remains at large. Law enforcement agencies are conducting a coordinated search for the suspect.
Authorities warned that Puckett should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Anyone who sees him or has information about his whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to call 911 immediately.
The shooting remains under investigation. Additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
