Manhunt underway for Tennessee man accused of killing sheriff's deputy, injuring another
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WCYB) — A manhunt is underway for a Tennessee man accused of killing a Blount County deputy and injuring another during a traffic stop.
A Blue Alert was issued for 42-year-old Kenneth Wayne DeHart who is wanted for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and felon in possession of a weapon, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
TBI stated the two deputies initiated a traffic stop on an SUV in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville around 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
The driver, DeHart, did not cooperate with deputies and refused to get out of the vehicle, the TBI stated. The TBI said a stun gun was deployed on DeHart with no effect and he pulled out a gun and shot both deputies.
Deputy Shelby Eggers returned fire at the McCowan who escaped on foot, officials said.
Deputy Greg McCowan, 43, was taken to a hospital where he later died.
Deputy Eggers was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. She has since been released and is now recovering at home.
Thank you for the support and prayers for Deputy McCowan’s family and for Deputy Eggers’ continued recovery," Blout County Sherriff's Office wrote in a Facebook post.DeHart drove away from the scene and remains at large.
DeHart was driving a silver Lexus, but the car was found abandoned Thursday night in the Wildwood area, the sheriff's office added. Officials are asking anyone who lives in that area who has an outdoor security or doorbell camera video system to check for video or photos of DeHart or suspicious activity.
He is considered armed and dangerous and anyone who sees him should not approach but instead call 911. The Blount County mayor is offering a $10,000 reward for information.
Deputy McCowan was 43 years old and began his full-time career with the sheriff's office in 2020.
He was awarded the Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving commendation in April 2021 for his bravery in saving the life of a man trapped in a burning vehicle, Blount County Sheriff's Office said.
Deputy McCowan was always smiling and friendly to everyone," Blount County Sheriff's Office wrote. "He loved riding motorcycles and restoring old vehicles. Deputy McCowan leaves behind his children Cayley and Cayden, his granddaughter Ella, his mother and father, his fiancé Leah, and numerous family and friends.'___
Editor's note: Information from WZTV was contributed to this report.
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