When law enforcement located Kenneth Wayne DeHart, they used the handcuffs carried by Deputy Greg McCowan to secure the man accused of the deputy’s murder to end a five day manhunt.
A multi-agency team tracked DeHart, 42, to a home on Linden Avenue in Knoxville on Tuesday before bringing him back to Blount County to face the charge of first-degree murder in McCowan’s death. He also faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm after TBI agents say he opened fire on McCowan and Blount County Sheriff’s Deputy Shelby Eggers during a traffic stop Feb. 8.
He was being held without bond and will appear in Blount County General Sessions Court at 9 a.m. Thursday.
In a press conference Tuesday night, Blount County Sheriff James Berrong said investigators received “thousands” of tips from citizens, although no one will collect the $100,000 reward for information leading to DeHart’s arrest.
“While it’s emotional right now, it’s a relief,” said Berrong.