KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – A Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was critically injured in the line of duty last year has filed a civil lawsuit seeking millions in damages from the man accused of attacking him.
Deputy Dalton Swanger has filed a $2.5 million lawsuit against Christopher Hensley, according to a complaint obtained by WVLT News through attorney T. Scott Jones.
Hensley is accused of throwing a large rock at Swanger in June 2025, causing life-threatening injuries. Authorities say Hensley fled the scene after the attack but was apprehended the following morning.
Following the incident, Swanger faced a long and difficult recovery. According to his girlfriend, Stephania Pumphrey, he was placed on a ventilator and remained in a coma for an extended period. Complications from his injuries required a complex tracheal resection surgery.
Since then, Swanger has continued his recovery and recently reflected on the ordeal in a public statement, expressing appreciation for the support he received from the community.
“In a single instant, everything changed,” Swanger wrote. “You stood beside me. You prayed for me. You donated money so I could focus on healing. You sent letters filled with encouragement, kindness, and hope when I needed it most.”
Hensley now faces several criminal charges related to the incident, including attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault on a first responder, domestic assault, weapons violations, and drug-related offenses.
His trial is scheduled to begin on February 1, 2027.
The civil lawsuit is separate from the ongoing criminal case and seeks compensation for damages related to Swanger’s injuries, recovery, and long-term impact.
