Law enforcement agencies of Eastern Tennessee are still on the search for 42-year-old Kenneth DeHart for allegedly shooting at two sheriff deputies. According to the Blount County Sheriff’s office, Kenneth DeHart is wanted for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Also, the Blount County Sheriff’s office has offered a reward of $100,000 to anyone who can provide them with information leading to his arrest. The incident in question took place on Thursday, February 8.
According to the news release, the deputies involved, 43-year-old Deputy Greg McCowan and 22-year-old Deputy Shelby Eggers, had stopped DeHart’s SUV on suspicion of irresponsible driving.
However, DeHart refused to get down from the vehicle and instead produced a gun and fired rapidly at both deputies. Although an officer opened fire in return, the altercation resulted in McCowan losing his life and Shelby sustaining a gunshot injury in her leg. DeHart immediately took off and has since disappeared.
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The sheriff’s office has asked citizens to be on the lookout and warned them against approaching the culprit. “DeHart is believed to be traveling on foot and is considered armed and dangerous.” Citizens are advised to alert law enforcement instead if they see him.
Jeff French, Blount County’s Chief Deputy, via a video posted on the office’s Facebook page, revealed that officers are leaving no stone unturned in their search for the culprit.
“Officers have searched dense and wooded areas in hopes of finding DeHart. We’ve done search warrants, and we’ve followed up on every tip gotten.”
He encouraged members of the community to report any strange occurrence they noticed. “No tip is too big or too small. We appreciate the community sending us those,” he said. “We ask that you continue to do that, and we’re going to continue to follow up on it.”
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DeHart’s last known location was in Blount County’s Wildwood area. A sheriff’s office spokesperson revealed that local authorities have brought other law enforcement agencies on board, and plans to conduct a non-tactical ground search were underway. The search, which was scheduled for Saturday afternoon, was concentrated in the northeast region of Maryville, where authorities found DeHart’s abandoned vehicle.
The district attorney general for Blount County, Ryan Desmond, revealed at a news conference that Police had arrested both the suspect’s brother and girlfriend on Friday and Thursday, respectively. Police have charged both with “accessory after the fact.” Authorities are holding Dehart’s brother on a $1 million bond, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
A Sevier County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson also confirmed that authorities are holding the suspect’s girlfriend (name undisclosed) without bond in Sevier County jail.
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Greg McCowan began his deputy career in 2020. He graduated top of his class and was loved by all. Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong also expressed his devastation in the news conference held on Friday. “Deputy McCowan was always smiling and friendly to everyone. He was a hero both in life and death.”
McCowan’s SUV is presently stationed outside the sheriff’s office. His colleagues, family, and friends have proceeded to decorate it with flowers and wreaths in tribute to a well-lived life.
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