Kenneth DeHart: Tennessee man suspected of killing deputy captured after five-day manhunt

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE: Kenneth Wayne DeHart, the man wanted in connection with the killing of a deputy and injuring another during a traffic stop, has been apprehended after a five-day manhunt.

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office announced DeHart was captured in Knoxville on Tuesday, February 13, approximately 17 miles from the site of the deadly traffic stop in Maryville.

"Now the judicial process will take place in the court system," stated the sheriff’s office in a Facebook post, adding, "Thanks to all of our law enforcement partners and our community."

Kenneth DeHart opened fire on deputies after refusing to exit his vehicle

DeHart stands accused of fatally shooting Blount County Sheriff's Deputy Greg McCowan, 43, and injuring Deputy Shelby Eggers, 22, during the harrowing incident in Maryville on the evening of February 8.

The deputies initiated a traffic stop on a suspicious SUV, and when the suspect, the driver, refused to exit the vehicle, they deployed a stun gun with no effect.

Subsequently, DeHart produced a firearm, firing upon both deputies. At least one deputy returned fire as he fled the scene.

What are the charges against Kenneth Wayne DeHart?

McCowan, who transitioned to full-time duty in 2020 after serving as a reserve deputy, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Warrants charging DeHart with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm were issued during the intensive manhunt.

Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the pursuit of the armed and dangerous suspect, with the reward for information on DeHart's whereabouts escalating to $100,000.

Authorities subdue suspect with fallen deputy's handcuffs

Sheriff James Berrong revealed in a press briefing that no specific tip led them to DeHart's location. Following the deployment of diversionary tactics by a SWAT team outside a residence in Knoxville, the suspect fled through the back into the yard, where he was apprehended by law enforcement and a "large pit bull dog," as per Fox News.

Remarkably, he was subdued using the fallen deputy's handcuffs. DeHart’s brother and a woman identified as his girlfriend were previously arrested on charges of aiding the suspect after he supposedly killed the deputy.

DeHart is expected to appear in court on Thursday to face the charges brought against him.