Introduction
In a tragic incident in Tennessee, a manhunt is underway after two sheriff’s deputies were shot, one of them fatally, during a routine traffic stop. The suspect, identified as Kenneth DeHart, is believed to be armed and dangerous, and authorities are urging the public to exercise caution. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the incident, including details about the shooting, the manhunt, and the ongoing investigation.
The Shooting Incident
On the evening of Thursday, a routine traffic stop in Maryville, Tennessee took a tragic turn when the driver of the vehicle refused to comply with the deputies’ instructions. Blount County sheriff’s deputies Greg McCowan, 43, and Shelby Eggers, 22, were shot during the encounter. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect, Kenneth DeHart, 42, produced a gun and fired shots, striking both deputies.
Despite one of the deputies returning fire, the driver managed to escape. The TBI has launched a manhunt for DeHart, who is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities have warned the public not to approach him and to report any information regarding his whereabouts to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The Victims
Tragically, Deputy Greg McCowan, a reserve deputy who had recently joined the Blount County Sheriff’s Office full-time, succumbed to his injuries. He was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead. Deputy Shelby Eggers, who started her career at the sheriff’s office in 2019, was also wounded in the incident. She received medical treatment at a hospital and is now recovering at home.
Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong expressed his condolences to the families of both deputies, requesting prayers for them during an emotional news conference. He also apologized to McCowan’s family, expressing regret for not being able to protect him.
The Manhunt
Following the shooting, law enforcement agencies initiated a massive manhunt to apprehend Kenneth DeHart. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has asked for the public’s assistance in locating the suspect. Authorities have stressed the importance of not approaching DeHart due to his alleged armed and dangerous status.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are working tirelessly to track down DeHart. They have urged anyone with information about his whereabouts or any sightings to immediately contact the authorities. A reward of $62,500 has been offered for information leading to his arrest, including a generous contribution of $40,000 from gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson.
Investigation and Charges
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has identified Kenneth DeHart as the primary suspect in the shooting incident. He is facing charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The TBI has warned that DeHart should be considered armed and dangerous and has released his photograph to aid in the manhunt.
Authorities have not provided any specific details about the motive behind the shooting or the events leading up to it. The investigation is currently ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to gather evidence and piece together the sequence of events that unfolded during the traffic stop.
Community Response
The shooting incident has deeply affected the community, prompting an outpouring of support for the families of the victims and law enforcement agencies. Local residents have expressed their condolences and solidarity with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty and the sacrifices they make to ensure public safety.
Gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson, which recently relocated its headquarters to Maryville, has donated $40,000 towards the reward for information leading to DeHart’s arrest. The company expressed its appreciation for the dedication and bravery of law enforcement officers and emphasized the importance of supporting and respecting those who put their lives on the line every day.
