BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — Update (2/13 at 4:30 p.m.): The Blount County Sheriff's Office and TBI announced Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon in East Knoxville. You can read more about his arrest at this link.
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Original Story:
The Blount County Sheriff's Office announced Monday the reward has grown beyond $100,000 for information leading to the arrest of Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr., the fugitive accused of shooting two Blount County deputies last week and killing one.
BCSO said nearly 150 law enforcement officers and federal agents from departments throughout East Tennessee have been searching through dense, wooded areas and executing search warrants to find DeHart.
"We've continued the manhunt for Kenneth DeHart for his senseless murder of our deputy and injuring Deputy Eggers," Chief Deputy Jeff French said. "We've had multiple law enforcement agencies, state, local, federal, over 150 personnel probably searching dense areas, wooded areas. We've done search warrants and we've followed up on every tip that we've gotten. No tip's too big, too small."
Deputies said there would be a large law enforcement presence in the Wildwood area on Saturday afternoon, which was where DeHart's vehicle was found abandoned on Friday. BCSO called it a "non-tactical ground search" and asked people not to be alarmed by the large presence of officers.
Despite the concerted efforts, he remains at large. The TBI has obtained warrants charging DeHart with one count of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder and one count of felon in possession of a weapon.
"I want to stress the gravity of this situation, Kenneth DeHart is considered armed and extremely dangerous," BCSO said. "We cannot allow him to roam freely, posing a threat to our community.”
Officials said to not hesitate in coming forward with information, no matter how big or small.
"That’s why we’ve decided to increase the reward for information leading to DeHart’s arrest to up to $100,000," BCSO said. "We’re counting on your help, your vigilance, to bring this fugitive to justice.”
If you have information please contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND or BCSO at 865-981-7125.
The Shooting
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said the two deputies tried to pull over an SUV in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville around 8:30 p.m. Thursday for "suspicion of erratic driving." BCSO mentioned Friday afternoon during a press conference the driver was not staying in their lane.
The driver, 42-year-old Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr., "would not cooperate with deputies" and refused to get out of the vehicle, according to the TBI.
The TBI said deputies used a stun gun on DeHart with no effect and at some point during the encounter, he pulled out a gun and shot both deputies.
At least one of the deputies returned fire, according to the TBI.
43-year-old Deputy Greg McCowan was taken to a hospital where he later died. The other deputy, Deputy Shelby Eggers, was transported to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. She has since been released and is now recovering at home, BCSO said.
On Friday afternoon, deputies announced they arrested Marcus DeHart, Kenneth DeHart's brother, for accessory after the fact. They said he helped DeHart after the shooting and is being held on a $1 million bond.
Deputies also arrested the suspect's girlfriend, Carrie Mathews, for accessory after the fact. According to court records, a Sevier County Sheriff's Office deputy went to a home on McCleary Road while searching for Kenneth DeHart.
The deputy said she got a call from "Janeisha" while authorities were at the home. Deputies said she answered the call. They said it was actually DeHart calling from the number. According to court records, she told the caller, "They're here," and ended the phone call.
"This action by Ms. Mathews warned Mr. Dehart of impending apprehension or discovery. She was taken into custody and transported to SCSO Main Jail," court records said.
BCSO said officers are currently following up on "every lead" and working without rest to bring Kenneth DeHart into custody. They believe he is still in East Tennessee somewhere, but suspect he may no longer be in Blount County.
Deputy Greg McCowan
Deputy Greg McCowan was shot during the traffic stop and later died from his injuries. He leaves behind his children Cayley and Cayden, his granddaughter Ella, his mother and father, his fiancé Leah, and numerous family and friends, according to BCSO.
McCowan, 43, started his full-time career with BCSO in 2020. Before joining full-time, he served as a reserve deputy, Blount County Sheriff James Berrong said.
McCowan worked in manufacturing but always had an interest in law enforcement. That's when he applied for and was hired as a patrol deputy and attended the BCSO Regional Law Enforcement Academy Class 021 in 2020, according to Berrong.
Berrong said McCowan excelled during the academy. After his graduation in October 2020, he served as a patrol deputy. He was awarded the Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving commendation in April 2021 for his part in saving the life of a man trapped in a burning vehicle.
McCowan was an EMR and recently joined the Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiations team and was excited to put his recent certification to use, Berrong said.
"Deputy McCowan was always smiling and friendly to everyone," Berrong said. "He loved riding motorcycles and restoring old vehicles."