Man Accused Of Killing Tennessee Deputy During Traffic Stop Caught After Manhunt, Charged With First-Degree Murder

A man who allegedly shot two Blount County, Tennessee, deputies last week during a traffic stop was arrested in Knoxville on Tuesday.

Kenneth DeHart is accused of killing 43-year-old Blount County Deputy Greg McCowan and injuring Deputy Shelby Eggers, 22, last Thursday after he was pulled over for erratic driving, WVLT reported. Immediately following the shooting, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) issued a Blue Alert for DeHart, sparking a manhunt that would last for nearly five days and involve U.S. Marshals.

“Kenneth Wayne DeHart was taken into custody a short time ago in Knoxville! Now the judicial process will take place in the court system. Thanks to all of our law enforcement partners and our community,” said Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong.

DeHart is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and being a felon in possession of a weapon, according to Knox News. After being pulled over, DeHart refused to exit his SUV, and the deputies fired a taser at him, but it had “no effect,” according to the TBI. That’s when DeHart allegedly pulled out a gun and fired at the deputies, striking both of them. McCowan was rushed to a hospital where he later died, and Eggert, who was shot in the leg, was later released from the hospital.

McCowan was engaged to Leah Lane and had two children, Cayley McCowan (Desmon) and Cayden McCowan (Paige), as well as a granddaughter, Ella Underwood, according to his obituary.

“Greg was full of love and life. He enjoyed Dirt Track Racing, traveling, boating, riding motorcycles, restoring cars and Mustangs. But, more than that, he loved his family,” the obituary stated.

DIED A HERO: Deputy Greg McCowan was killed during an officer-involved shooting Thursday evening in Blount County, Tennessee. https://t.co/XdbIkaoPYR

"Deputy McCowan was always smiling and friendly to everyone."

He was 43 years old 💔 pic.twitter.com/LwZpnTDCck

— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) February 9, 2024

Governor Bill Lee (R-TN) said last Friday that he and his wife “are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Blount County Deputy Greg McCowan.”

“He laid down his life in the line of duty while answering the high call to serve and protect Tennesseans,” Lee’s statement continued. “We are forever indebted to Deputy McCowan and ask all Tennesseans to keep his family in your prayers during this time of unimaginable grief.”