At the request of 5th Judicial District Attorney General Ryan Desmond, TBI agents are investigating the circumstances leading to an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday evening involving deputies with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.
Preliminary information indicates that just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday, deputies with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on an SUV in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville. The driver, identified as Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. (DOB: 1/12/82), would not cooperate with deputies and refused to get out of the vehicle. A taser was deployed with no effect. At some point during the encounter, DeHart produced a gun and fired shots, striking both deputies. At least one of the deputies returned fire. One deputy was transported to an area hospital, where he later died. The other deputy was also transported with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. DeHart drove away from the scene.
Early Friday morning, TBI agents obtained warrants charging Kenneth 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. A statewide Blue Alert was issued for DeHart, and he was added to the TBI Most Wanted list. He has not been located and is the subject of a search by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
At this time, the investigation remains active and ongoing, as TBI agents continue to gather any and all relevant evidence, interviews, and information. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration.
The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents and instead refers questions of that nature to the respective department to answer as it sees fit.
Please continue to share. Kenneth DeHart is the subject of a #TNBlueAlert and has been added to the TBI’s Most Wanted list for the murder of one Blount County deputy and the attempted murder of another. If you see him, call 911. https://t.co/3eF7Dvuuo0
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.
Matthews was arrested in connection to the death of deputy Greg McCowan.(SCSO)
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.
Police working standoff in North Knoxville. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A suspect is in custody Thursday afternoon following a standoff with law enforcement in North Knoxville.
Knoxville Police Department officials say officers responded to the 4700 block of Schubert Road to take a man wanted for multiple outstanding felony warrants into custody at an apartment there.
KPD says the suspect was taken into custody just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday without incident.
Knox County Sheriff’s Office asks for public’s help to locate missing Knoxville woman, Heather Ann Hayes, 47. (Courtesy: KCSO)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knox County Sheriff’s Office asks for the public’s help Thursday afternoon in locating a missing Knoxville woman.
KCSO officials say 47-year-old Heather Ann Hayes was reported missing Thursday morning by her family who is concerned for her welfare due to some risk factors that could hinder Hayes’ ability to return home safely.
Hayes is described as a white female, 6’1″ tall, weighing 200 lbs. Officials say she is bald but usually wears head coverings or bandanas.
Heather Ann Hayes, 47 (Courtesy: KCSO)
KCSO adds Ms. Hayes has a scar between her eyebrows and some missing teeth. It is not known what Hayes was wearing at the time of her disappearance.
If you have seen Ms. Hayes or know her whereabouts, please call Detective Steve Ballard at 865-215-2243.
Sharon Looney was last seen on Wednesday around 2 p.m. near her home on Horseshoe Bend Rd. in New Market, police said. (Courtesy: TBI)
Jefferson County, TN (WOKI) A missing Jefferson County woman, the subject of a Silver Alert issued early Thursday, has been found safe.
Officials with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office say 71-year-old Sharon Looney was located near her home in New Market with the assistance of air support from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The sheriff’s office says THP was able to use a helicopter to direct a search team to Looney, and she was taken to a nearby hospital.
Looney had last been seen Wednesday near her home on Horseshoe Bend Road in New Market.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation had issued a Silver Alert on behalf of Jefferson County law enforcement as Looney has a medical condition which may have impaired her ability to return safely without assistance.
Knoxville’s hockey team is rebranding for one night only this week, hitting the ice as the Scruffy City Shriners tomorrow (Friday) as they take on Fayetteville.
The new team name and rebrand also comes with a new logo, color scheme, uniforms and merchandise.
The Shriners will hit the ice at 7:35 p.m. Fans can also expect a live jersey auction for some game-worn uniforms.
A new study ranks Tennessee in the top 10 of the most sinful states in America.
WalletHub released its “Most Sinful States in the U.S.” study on Tuesday morning with the Volunteer State ranked at number 5.
The study compared 50 states across 55 indicators of immoral or illicit behavior, including violent crimes, excessive drinking and gambling disorders among the population.
Tennessee was ranked third for anger/hatred, 15th for jealousy, second for excesses/vices, 11th for greed, and fifth for lust. Nevada, Louisiana, California and Florida came in ahead of Tennessee.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol says charges are pending against a teenager after a deadly crash on East Emory Rd.
The crash happened on Sunday afternoon near Bell Road and resulted in four people being taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
THP says a car was stopped for others to turn when a car being driven by an 18-year-old, who was not wearing a seatbelt, struck it from behind, pushing it into 69-year-old Edwin Carlin’s lane who hit the car and was pronounced dead.
Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) National Park Service rangers are asking for the public’s help as an investigation is launched into a possible arson fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this week.
NPS officials say the possible arson fire happened off Laurel Creed Rd. near Crib Gap Trail Tuesday afternoon.
Park rangers are asking for help to find anyone who was in the area of Crib Gap Trail, Anthony Creek Trail, or Lead Cove Trail Tuesday afternoon around 6:00 p.m.
Anyone with information about vehicles or suspicious activity in the area is asked to submit a tip by email, an online form or by calling 888-653-0009 or 865-436-1230.
