Man Accused of Killing Tennessee Deputy Captured

“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,” Blount County Sheriff's Office officials said.

February 13, 2024

Kenneth Wayne DeHart was taken into custody Tuesday in Knoxville. He is accused of killing Blount County (Tennessee) Sheriff's Deputy Greg McCowan and wounding Deputy Shelby Eggers during a traffic stop last Thursday.Kenneth Wayne DeHart was taken into custody Tuesday in Knoxville. He is accused of killing Blount County (Tennessee) Sheriff's Deputy Greg McCowan and wounding Deputy Shelby Eggers during a traffic stop last Thursday.Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Kenneth DeHart, the man accused of killing Blount County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Deputy Greg McCowan and wounding Deputy Shelby Eggers last Thursday, was caught Tuesday in Knox County, according to U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Tennessee David Jolley. He was taken into custody at a home in Knoxville.

DeHart was wanted for first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder from the traffic stop shooting, Blount County Sheriff’s Office officials said. Early reports of the shooting from the BCSO said DeHart was stopped for driving erratically, then things escalated, leading to the shooting, WVLT reports.

“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,” BCSO officials said.

The search for DeHart has been ongoing since Thursday night, when the shooting occurred. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued a Blue Alert for DeHart. The manhunt included local, state, and federal agencies.

DeHart’s arrest follows the arrest of two others in the case: his girlfriend, Carrie Matthews, and his brother, Marcus DeHart, who were both charged with accessory after the fact.

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