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Accident – Death – Obituary News : Title: Fatal Shooting of Blount County Deputy Unveiled in Body Camera Footage
Introduction:
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BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — Blount County Sheriff’s Office has released disturbing body camera footage of a traffic stop that tragically ended in the death of Deputy Greg McCowan and the injury of Deputy Shelby Eggers. The shocking incident took place on February 8 in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road. The graphic content of the videos may be unsettling for some viewers, as they reveal the sequence of events leading up to the fatal shooting.
Details of the Incident:
The body camera footage, shown side-by-side with dashcam video, spans a total of 28 minutes, providing a detailed account of the traffic stop. Deputy Eggers’ video was presented first, followed by Deputy McCowan’s. The dashcam video captured the suspect’s car swerving between lanes before Eggers activated her police lights at approximately 8:03 p.m. The vehicle eventually came to a stop on the road.
Approaching the suspect, identified as Kenneth Wayne DeHart, Eggers requested him to pull into a nearby driveway. After initial hesitation, DeHart complied. During their interaction, Eggers questioned DeHart about his erratic driving and the possibility of alcohol consumption. DeHart denied drinking but mentioned being on the phone with his son and adjusting his hair while behind the wheel.
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While DeHart remained in the car, Eggers returned to her vehicle to call for backup from Deputy McCowan. She expressed her suspicion of marijuana odor coming from the vehicle. McCowan confirmed that he was en route to the scene.
Despite DeHart’s refusal to allow a search of his vehicle, Eggers persisted, citing probable cause due to the smell of marijuana. The situation escalated when McCowan arrived, and both deputies attempted to remove DeHart from the car. A struggle ensued, and shots were fired at around 8:23 p.m.
Tragic Outcome:
McCowan’s body camera footage captured the moment shots were fired, showing DeHart wielding a gun. Both deputies sustained gunshot wounds, with McCowan tragically losing his life at the scene. Eggers, wounded but alive, sought cover and returned fire as DeHart fled the scene.
Eggers, in a desperate call for help, reported over the radio that she and McCowan had been shot. She applied a tourniquet to her injured leg, with the assistance of a passersby. The video also shows the arrival of additional deputies who provided medical aid before rushing Eggers to safety.
Aftermath and Arrest:
Following a five-day manhunt, Kenneth DeHart was apprehended in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, just a day before McCowan’s funeral. DeHart faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a weapon. Marcus DeHart, Carrie Matthews, and Maurice Warren have also been charged with aiding DeHart.
Conclusion:
Sheriff James Lee Berrong emphasized the professionalism and dedication of his deputies during a press conference, highlighting the high standards upheld by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. The release of the body camera footage was delayed to allow McCowan’s family to view it privately. A memorial fund has been established for the fallen deputy’s family, as the community mourns this devastating loss..
