“Manhunt Underway for Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr., Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Deputy in Blount County, Tennessee”

Deputies shot in Blount County search
Kenneth DeHart Jr. search underway.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A manhunt is currently underway in Blount County, Tennessee, as local, state, and federal officials are searching for a shooting suspect who fatally shot one law enforcement officer late Thursday. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has identified the suspect as Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr., 41, and has added him to their Most Wanted list.

The incident occurred after deputies from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office pulled over an SUV in the city of Maryville on U.S. Route 411. The reason for the traffic stop is still unknown. The shooting took place on this two-lane highway, located approximately 16 miles south of Knoxville and around 35 miles north of the Great Smoky Mountains.

During the stop, DeHart refused to cooperate with the deputies and refused to exit the vehicle. Despite the deployment of a Taser, DeHart was unaffected and proceeded to pull out a gun, firing shots that hit both deputies. One of the deputies, identified as Greg McCowan, tragically lost his life, while the other deputy sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Following the shooting, DeHart fled the scene in his vehicle, and it remains unclear if he was injured during the exchange of gunfire. The injured deputy, a female officer, managed to fire back at DeHart. She suffered a gunshot wound to her leg.

Blount County Sheriff James L. Berrong expressed his grief during a press conference, stating that McCowan’s death was the hardest thing he has ever experienced. McCowan, who graduated from the police academy in October 2020, was highly respected within the department.

The TBI has obtained warrants charging DeHart with one count of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of a felon being in possession of a weapon. Authorities have labeled DeHart as armed and dangerous, offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to his arrest and prosecution.

The investigation into the shooting is being led by the TBI, and their findings will be shared with the Blount County District Attorney General for review. As the manhunt continues, law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any possible sightings or information related to DeHart’s whereabouts.

This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily while carrying out their duties to protect and serve the community. The loss of Deputy Greg McCowan has deeply impacted the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the entire law enforcement community. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Natalie Neysa Alund, a senior reporter for USA TODAY, contributed to this article. For further updates on this ongoing investigation, please refer to the USA TODAY website..

1. Deputies shot in Blount County search for Kenneth DeHart Jr. underway
2. Search for Kenneth DeHart Jr. underway after shooting incident in Blount County.