Additional Coverage:
In a significant push to apprehend a suspect following a tragic incident that shook the Blount County community, authorities have rallied together, offering a substantial reward and employing a large-scale search operation. More than $80,000 has been pledged as a reward for information leading to the arrest of Kenneth DeHart, a man now center stage in a grim narrative involving the murder of a deputy sheriff and a violent altercation with law enforcement.
The Blount County Sheriff’s office has issued a warning to residents, flagging the escalation of a large law enforcement presence in the area as part of an intensive ground search operation for DeHart. This development follows a tense period for the community as local law enforcement doubles down in their efforts to capture the suspect.
The urgency behind this manhunt is substantiated by the severe charges levied against DeHart. The warrants out for his arrest include first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. These grave accusations stem from an incident that tragically claimed the life of Deputy Greg McCowan and left Deputy Shelby Eggers injured but thankfully stable enough to be treated and released.
At the heart of this tragic episode was a routine traffic stop that turned deadly. DeHart is accused of opening fire during the stop before managing to flee the scene—a desperate act that has now led to a widescale law enforcement operation to locate him. This heinous act not only claimed a life but has also left a community reeling and a law enforcement agency grieving one of their own.
Complicating matters is the allegation that DeHart’s brother has been charged with being an accessory, accused of aiding the suspect in the aftermath of the shooting. This development indicates a broader network of involvement and complicates the narrative, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in bringing those responsible to justice.
In a poignant response to the tragic events, law enforcement agencies staged a procession for Deputy McCowan through Maryville. This solemn act of remembrance underscores the tight-knit nature of the community and the law enforcement fraternity, honoring a young deputy who embarked on his career in law enforcement in 2020 after completing his training. McCowan’s commitment to serving and protecting his community, tragically cut short, was commemorated in a display of unity and respect that serves as a testament to the bond among those who wear the badge.
As the search for DeHart continues, the community stands in a somber reflection on the events that have unfolded, with law enforcement and residents alike hoping for a resolution that brings justice for the fallen deputy and safety back to the forefront of Blount County’s collective conscience. The significant reward money, the charges against DeHart and his brother, and the honors for Deputy McCowan all paint a picture of a community grappling with grief but determined to see justice served.