A search is underway for the man who fatally shot Blount County, Tennessee, Deputy Greg McCowan during a traffic stop around 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
knoxville news I got it. The suspect, identified as Kenneth Wayne DeHart, is on the run and faces charges of “first-degree murder” if arrested.
Always Remember: Deputy Greg McCowan, Blount County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office https://t.co/WEGaHBCKN pic.twitter.com/Mm65aenNYG
— Chief J. Banks (@J_Banks48) February 9, 2024
DeHart will also be charged with “attempted first-degree murder” because he shot and killed the deputy, who was still alive.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation posted a photo of DeHart.
a #TNBlueAlert It was issued for 42-year-old Kenneth Wayne DeHart.
He is wanted by the TBI and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for assault on two law enforcement officers.
He should be considered armed and dangerous.
Have information? Call 1-800-TBI-FIND. pic.twitter.com/0XyToKWlXa
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) February 9, 2024
WVLT Quote Blount County Sheriff James Lee Bellon said after the shooting. [McCowan]. I spoke to his family earlier. He apologizes for not being able to protect him. ”
Bellon added:
Deputy McCowan was always smiling and friendly to everyone. He received the Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving Citation in April 2021 for his work in saving the life of a man trapped in a burning vehicle. He is his EMR and was also recently hired on the Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiation Team, so he was excited to put his recently earned certification to use.
Mr. McCowan had worked for the Blount County Sheriff’s Office since 2020.
We appeal to anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to not approach him and contact law enforcement immediately by:
Text the information to 274637 (Crime)
visit: https://t.co/Z837P81aBb
Call BCGO 865-981-7125
Call TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND pic.twitter.com/Nkd0winIKH— Smith & Wesson Inc. (@Smith_WessonInc) February 9, 2024
AWR Hawkins is an award-winning Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and also writes Down Range with AWR Hawkins, a weekly newsletter focused on all things Second Amendment for Breitbart News. He is also a writer and curator. He is a political analyst for Armed American Radio, an ambassador for Turning Point USA, and a professional staff member for Pulsar Knight His Vision. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal in 2010 and completed his Ph.D. Military history focusing on the Vietnam War (Brown Navy), the U.S. Navy since its inception, the Civil War, and early modern Europe. Follow him on Instagram: @awr_Hawkins. To get Down Range, you can sign up at breitbart.com/downrange. Please contact us directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com.
