Surry County Sheriffs Office

09/01/2026

Surry County Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt Offers Labor Day Travel Safety Tips for the Community

As families and friends prepare to celebrate the Labor Day holiday, Surry County Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt is encouraging all residents and visitors to make safety their top priority on the road. With heavier-than-usual traffic expected, the Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to take extra precautions to ensure everyone arrives at their destinations safely.

"Labor Day is a time to relax, enjoy time with loved ones, and celebrate the hard work that keeps our community strong," said Sheriff Hiatt. "But it’s also a time when our roads can become more dangerous. By making smart choices behind the wheel, we can all help keep this holiday safe and enjoyable for everyone."

Sheriff Hiatt’s Labor Day Travel Safety Tips:
• Plan Ahead: Allow extra travel time to avoid rushing and reduce stress.
• Buckle Up: Ensure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt at all times.
• Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road—put away phones and other distractions.
• Don’t Drive Impaired: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle.
• Obey Speed Limits: Drive at a safe speed for conditions, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather.
• Stay Alert: Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, especially in busy areas.

"We’re proud of the sense of community here in Surry County," Sheriff Hiatt added. "Let’s look out for one another, drive responsibly, and make sure this Labor Day is remembered for good times—not preventable tragedies."

08/06/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR WALLET 🚨

The Surry County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports of a recurring phone scam targeting our residents. The caller is claiming to be Deputy Marty Doss with the Surry County Sheriff’s Office. The caller is claiming recipients have missed a jury duty date and must pay a fine to avoid arrest, Or telling residents they have an outstanding warrant , then asking for immediate payment of these fines. Please read and share this information to help protect your neighbors!

🛑 How the Scam Works

Scammers are calling citizens and posing as employees or deputies from the Sheriff’s Office. They often use high-pressure tactics, claiming:
• You have an outstanding warrant for your arrest.
• You missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately.
• You owe "legal fees" to avoid jail time.

⚠️ The Red Flags

The Sheriff’s Office will NEVER do the following:
1. Demand payment over the phone to clear a warrant or fine.
2. Request payment via prepaid debit cards, gift cards (like Apple or Google Play), wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
3. Threaten immediate arrest if you don't pay "right now."

✅ What You Should Do

• Hang Up Immediately: Don't engage with the caller.
• Verify the Call: If you are concerned about a legitimate legal matter, call our official office directly at 336-401-8900 or 336-374-3000, or visit us in person.
• Keep Your Info Private: Never give out your Social Security number, bank info, or birthdate to an unsolicited caller.

Remember: Scammers can "spoof" caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a local government number. Don't trust the name on the screen! Please make sure your elderly or higher-risk family members and neighbors are aware this is occurring!! Feel free to report any suspicious phone calls to the Sheriff’s Office when they occur!

Help us spread the word by hitting the SHARE button. Let's keep Surry County safe and scam-free! 🛡️

07/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Surry County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Suspect Following Criminal Investigation

On July 13, 2026, deputies with the Surry County Sheriff's Office received a report alleging criminal offenses involving a juvenile. Due to the nature of the allegations, the case was immediately assigned to the Surry County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division for further investigation.

As part of the investigation, detectives conducted numerous interviews, collected evidence, and coordinated a forensic interview through Haven of Hope Children’s Advocacy Center in Sparta, North Carolina. Detectives also worked closely with the Surry County District Attorney’s Office throughout the investigation.

Based upon the evidence obtained during the investigation, detectives established probable cause to obtain warrants charging Justin Edward Chandler with the following offenses:

- Four (4) counts of Felony Statutory R**e of a Child by an Adult
- One (1) count of Felony Statutory S*x Offense with a Child by an Adult
- Five (5) counts of Felony Indecent Liberties with a Child
- One (1) count of Felony Crime Against Nature
- Five (5) counts of Felony S*xual Act by a Substitute Parent or Custodian

Chandler was arrested on July 23, 2026, and appeared before a Surry County District Court Judge. He was ordered held without bond and remains confined in the Stokes County Sheriff's Office Detention Center.

The Surry County Sheriff's Office extends its appreciation to the staff of Willow Tree Cornerstone Child Advocacy Center, Haven of Hope Children’s Advocacy Center and all assisting agencies for their cooperation and assistance during this investigation.

To protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of the juvenile victim, no additional information will be released at this time.

07/28/2026

07/04/2026

As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation, Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July! 🇺🇸 🎇

06/03/2026

Please join us in praying for the Surry County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center family. Today, we suffered the loss of one of our own, Detention Officer Thomas James Smith III.

Please keep his family, friends, fellow shift members, and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We ask for God’s comfort, strength, and peace to surround all those affected by this tragic loss.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Rest easy, my friend. Your service, dedication, and friendship will not be forgotten. We will take it from here.

06/01/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Surry County Sheriff’s Office received numerous tips and leads over the weekend that assisted investigators in the apprehension of Michael Timothy Puckett.

Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt would like to express his sincere appreciation to the men and women of the Surry County Sheriff’s Office for the countless hours and tireless efforts they dedicated since Friday night when this tragic incident occurred in Carroll County, Virginia. Sheriff Hiatt also extends his gratitude to the citizens of Surry County and surrounding communities whose vigilance and willingness to provide information played a significant role in locating and apprehending Puckett.

On June 1, 2026, Puckett waived extradition proceedings in Surry County District Court and was released into custody of Virginia authorities. Puckett has since been transported back to Carroll County, where he will face charges stemming from the murder of Deputy Logan Utt.

Sheriff Hiatt would also like to recognize and thank the many agencies that provided assistance during the operation on May 31, 2026:

- Mount Airy Police Department
- Surry County Communications (E-911)
- Surry County Emergency Medical Services
- Surry County EM1
- Surry County OEM
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations (NCSBI)
- North Carolina Highway Patrol (NCSHP)
- Franklin Volunteer Fire Department
- United States Marshals Service
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Alcohol To***co and Fi****ms (ATF)
- Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
- Patrick County Sheriff’s Office
- Henry County Sheriff’s Office
- Virginia State Police
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist AirCare
- North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)

Sheriff Hiatt also wishes to thank the many additional sheriff’s offices, police departments, state agencies, and federal partners from across North Carolina and Virginia that offered support, resources, and personnel during this investigation and manhunt.

As this case moves forward through the judicial process, we ask everyone to continue keeping Deputy Utt’s wife, children, coworkers, extended family, and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt and the members of the Surry County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to supporting our law enforcement partners and seeking justice for Deputy Utt and his family

05/30/2026

With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to Sheriff Kevin Kemp and our brothers and sisters at the Carroll County Sheriff's Office following the tragic loss of Deputy Logan Utt.

When a member of the law enforcement family falls, the heartbreak ripples through us all. Deputy Utt was a military veteran, a fireman, a deputy, and an exemplary model of a public servant in every regard. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Deputy Utt’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Please join us in praying for comfort for Deputy Utt’s wife, children, coworkers, extended family, and friends. Please also pray for a quick recovery and peace for his coworker who was injured during this senseless act of violence.

Thank you for your service, Deputy Utt. 🖤💙🖤

05/22/2026

This week is National EMS Week, and Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office want to take a moment to recognize the incredible men and women of our local Emergency Medical Services.

Every day, our EMS personnel answer the call without hesitation. They step into unpredictable, high-stress situations with one primary goal: saving lives. Whether they are responding to a medical emergency, a major accident, or working hand-in-hand with our deputies on a scene, their professionalism, skill, and dedication are unmatched.
They are the calm in the storm for so many families during their toughest moments, and our community is safer and stronger because of them.

To all of our paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and support staff—thank you for your unwavering service, your sacrifices, and your partnership. We are proud to stand alongside you.

— Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt

05/15/2026

As we observe National Police Week (May 10th - 16th, 2026), Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt and the Surry County Sheriff's Office invite our community to pause and honor those in uniform. We deeply appreciate the dedication of our deputies who protect Surry County, and we hold in our hearts the memory of the brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.