BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — A manhunt is taking place in Blount County, Tennessee, for a suspect involved in a shooting that left one deputy dead and another injured. The suspect, 42-year-old Kenneth DeHart, is wanted on first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting two deputies during a traffic stop. The incident occurred on Thursday evening in Maryville, prompting a large-scale search for the suspect.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has added DeHart to its “most wanted” list, as law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to locate him. DeHart is believed to be on foot in the Wildwood area and is considered armed and dangerous. The suspect’s 41-year-old brother, Marcus DeHart, has been taken into custody on charges of aiding the defendant after the shooting.
In the midst of the manhunt, more than $80,000 in reward money is being offered for information leading to DeHart’s arrest. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office has urged residents with outdoor security or doorbell camera systems to review their footage for any signs of suspicious activity.
During a press briefing, Blount County Sheriff James Berrong expressed his determination to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice. He also paid tribute to the deceased deputy, Greg McCowan, describing him as a hero and expressing deep regret for the loss suffered by his family.
McCowan, 43, had only recently joined the sheriff’s office before tragically losing his life in the line of duty. He was remembered for his heroic act of saving a man from a burning vehicle, as well as his passion for motorcycles and vintage vehicle restoration.
The injured deputy, Shelby Eggers, 22, who returned fire during the incident, has been released from the hospital after being shot in the leg. The Blount County community is left mourning the loss of a dedicated officer, while authorities continue their efforts to locate the suspected perpetrator.