KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — The Powell man accused of critically injuring a Knox County deputy was indicted on several charges, including attempted first-degree murder.
A grand jury indicted Christopher Hensley on seven charges, including attempted first-degree murder, domestic assault, possession with the intent to sell, delivery or manufacture of marijuana, possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony and aggravated assault. He was initially charged with attempted second-degree murder, but this was updated to first-degree under the indictment.
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Hensley is accused of throwing a rock that hit Deputy Dalton Swanger in the head, critically injuring him. The sheriff’s office said the incident happened while deputies responded to a “shots fired” call in Powell on June 21, 2025. The incident was caught on camera during filming for the TV show “On Patrol Live.” Previously, 6 News Legal Analyst Greg Isaacs said the prosecution is likely to subpoena the footage and that it could play a role in the venue for a potential trial.
His arraignment is set for Dec. 19, 2025.
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Swanger was in critical condition following the incident. In November, he was scheduled to undergo a tracheal resection surgery as his recovery continued. His girlfriend said it was his fifth surgery since August…