MARYVILLE, Tenn. – A manhunt is underway in Blount County, Tennessee for a suspect accused of shooting two deputies during a traffic stop, resulting in the death of one deputy.
Authorities are searching for Kenneth DeHart, 42, who is wanted on first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder charges. The shooting occurred after the deputies pulled DeHart over for erratic driving in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has placed DeHart on its “most wanted” list, and a reward of over $80,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
In the midst of the manhunt, DeHart’s 41-year-old brother, Marcus DeHart, was taken into custody on accessory after the fact charges for aiding the suspect after the shooting. He is being held on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
The deceased deputy, Greg McCowan, was identified by Blount County Sheriff James Berrong as a hero both in life and in death. McCowan, 43, had only been working with the sheriff’s office since 2020, transitioning to law enforcement from a career in manufacturing. He had been commended by the sheriff’s office for his efforts in saving a man trapped in a burning vehicle just last year.
Deputy Shelby Eggers, 22, also sustained injuries in the incident, being shot in the leg. Fortunately, she has since been released from the hospital.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents in the Wildwood area with outdoor security or doorbell camera systems to check for any video or photos of suspicious activity that may have occurred overnight.
The search for DeHart continues, with law enforcement emphasizing their commitment to apprehending him and bringing him to justice for the shooting of the two deputies.