2/10/24 UPDATE: MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – One deputy with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office was killed and another was injured in Maryville while conducting a traffic stop Thursday just before 8:30 p.m., according to officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
TBI said the suspect, identified as Kenneth DeHart, would not cooperate with deputies and refused to get out of the vehicle. TBI reported that responders used a stun device during the stop, but it had no effect. At some point during the stop, Kenneth DeHart pulled a gun and fired shots, hitting both deputies, according to the TBI.
The suspect’s brother, Marcus Erving DeHart, was arrested, according to District Attorney General Ryan Desmond, and charged with accessory after the fact.
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office told WVLT News Kenneth DeHart’s girlfriend, Carrie Matthews, was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact.
Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong said the deputies pulled Kenneth DeHart over for erratic driving and failure to maintain a lane.
Deputy Greg McCowan was killed and Deputy Shelby Eggers was shot multiple times in the leg during the stop, officials said, adding that Deputy Eggers was released from the hospital to recover at home.
The shooting happened in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville, and multiple agencies are still on the lookout for Kenneth DeHart.
“[Kenneth] DeHart is considered armed and dangerous. If you see [Kenneth] DeHart, do not approach him. Call 911 immediately if you encounter him,” officials said.
Warrants were issued for Kenneth DeHart for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm with no bond, according to Berrong. Kenneth DeHart also has a criminal history. Officials with the Tennessee Department of Corrections confirmed that Kenneth Dehart was previously sentenced for felony aggravated assault and felony reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has also issued a Blue Alert and added Kenneth DeHart to the TBI’s Most Wanted list.
“At this time, there is no known clothing description and no known direction of travel,” TBI officials said.
A tip line was set up for anyone with information on where the suspect might be. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office asked anyone in the Wildwood area to check outdoor security or doorbell cameras for any suspicious activity or people from overnight Thursday evening. Those with information should call 865-981-7125.
An additional number to call with information on the investigation is 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Several people and agencies, including the TBI and Smith & Wesson CEO Mark Smith, are offering rewards for information.
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Second Update: One deputy is killed and another is injured in Blount County while conducting a traffic stop.The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says it happened last (Thursday) night just before 8:30 p.m. and have issued a Blue Alert and added DeHart to the TBI’s Most Wanted list.
TBI says the suspect, identified as 42 year-old Kenneth DeHart, would not cooperate with deputies and refused to get out of the vehicle. TBI says that responders used a stun device during the stop, but it had no effect. At some point during the stop, DeHart pulled a gun and fired shots, hitting both deputies.
Deputy Greg McCowan was killed and Deputy Shelby Eggers, who returned fire, was injured in the shooting and has been released from the hospital to recover at home.
The shooting happened in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville, and multiple agencies are still on the lookout for DeHart who is considered armed and dangerous.
If you see him, do not approach him. Call 911 immediately.
“At this time, there is no known clothing description and no known direction of travel,” TBI officials said.
Warrants were issued for DeHart for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm with no bond.
Dehart was previously sentenced for felony aggravated assault and felony reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation later issued a Blue Alert and added DeHart to the TBI’s Most Wanted list.
A tip line was set up for anyone with information on where the suspect might be. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office asked for anyone who lives in the Wildwood area to check outdoor security or doorbell cameras for any suspicious activity or people from overnight Thursday evening. Those with information should call 865-981-7125.
An additional number to call with information on the investigation is 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell issued a $10,000 reward and the TBI also announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to DeHart’s arrest.
Sheriff Berrong says Deputy McCowan was always smiling and friendly to everyone and was awarded the Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving commendation in April 2021 for his part in saving the life of a man trapped in a burning vehicle. He was an EMR and was also recently accepted on the Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiations team and was excited to put his recent certification to use. McCowan graduated from the police academy in October of 2020.
UPDATED STORY: Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is asking anyone who lives in the Wildwood area who may have outdoor security or doorbell camera video systems to please check your system this morning for video or photos of possible suspicious persons or activity that may have occurred near your resident overnight.
This is in regard to the officer-involved shooting and the death of BCSO Deputy Greg McCowan and injury of Deputy Shelby Eggers that happened last (Thursday) night.
If anyone has any activity on their systems that may be of help in this investigation, please call 865-981-7125.
Original STORY:
A Blount County Deputy is shot and killed and another deputy is injured during a traffic stop and a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Blue Alert is Issued.
Deputy Greg McCowan was shot and killed and the other deputy, identifed as Shelby Eggers, who reportedly returned fire, has been released from the hospital. She was shot in the leg. It’s unknown if the suspect was injured.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Blue Alert for 42 year-old Kenneth DeHart who is suspected of shooting the deputies. He is considered armed and dangerous and was last seen in the Wildwood area.
The shooting happened last (Thursday) night in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville. WVLT is reporting that Porter Elementary School is closed today as the hunt for Dehart continues. Sevierville Road between Keeble Road and Destiny Lane has re-opened.
Blount County Sheriff James Berrong asking for your help to find him and says you should not approach him but call 9 1 1 with any information. During a press conference earlier today, standing alongside several law enforcement officials, including Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, Berrong says they are heart-broken this has happened.
Deputy Greg McCowan graduated from the police academy in October of 2020 and has been accommodated with the Lifesaving Award for saving a man from a burning car.
Blount County Sheriff James Berrong asking for your help to find him and says you should not approach him but call 9 1 1 with any information. During a press conference earlier today, standing alongside several law enforcement officials, including Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, Berrong says they are heart-broken this has happened.
If you have any information, please call 1-800-TBI FIND.
Warrants charging DeHart with one count of First Degree Murder, one count of Attempted First Degree Murder, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Weapon have been obtained by TBI.
Blount County’s Mayor if offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and the TBI also offering a $2,500 reward.
