Manhunt underway for 'armed and dangerous' suspect who fatally shot Tennessee sheriff's deputy
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE: Tennessee is on high alert as law enforcement intensifies efforts to arrest Kenneth Wayne DeHart, a 42-year-old suspect deemed 'armed and dangerous', accused of fatally shooting Sheriff's Deputy Greg McCowan during a traffic stop on Thursday, February 8.
Additionally, Deputy Shelby Eggers, also injured in the incident, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and has been released from the hospital.
Who was Kenneth Wayne DeHart ?
Described as a 6-foot tall Black man weighing 260 pounds with dreadlocks, DeHart has been added to Tennessee's Most Wanted list. Moreover, warrants for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm have been issued.
The tragic shooting occurred during a traffic stop on Sevierville Road, with DeHart last seen in the Wildwood area, driving a silver Lexus. Authorities now believe he may be on foot, heightening concerns about public safety.
Sheriff James Berrong, emotionally addressing the community, pledged to bring DeHart to justice, expressing regret for 'not protecting him'. "We're going to get this man off the streets of east Tennessee and put him behind bars," the Sheriff promised.
Who was Deputy Greg McCowan?
McCowan, a dedicated member of the Sheriff's Office since 2020, received commendations for saving lives and recently joined the Crisis Negotiations team.
"He was awarded the Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving commendation in April 2021 for his part in saving the life of a man trapped in a burning vehicle. He was an EMR and was also recently accepted on the Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiations team and was excited to put his recent certification to use," as per Fox.
"Deputy McCowan was always smiling and friendly to everyone. He loved riding motorcycles and restoring old vehicles," added the Sheriff's Office. He leaves behind his children, his granddaughter, his mother and father, his fiancé, and numerous family and friends.
Authorities offer $60k+ for capturing Kenneth Wayne DeHart
Deputy Eggers, aged 22, excelled as a recruit and fulfilled her dream of working for the BCSO after graduating from Heritage High School in 2019.
The Blount County Sheriff's Office has issued rewards exceeding $60,000 for information leading to DeHart's capture, urging residents in the Wildwood area of Maryville to check security cameras for potential leads. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is aiding local law enforcement in the manhunt.
Citizens are urged to report any information regarding DeHart's whereabouts to the Blount County Sheriff's Office at 865-981-7125 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
