Greg McCowan Obituary – A 42-year-old man suspected of shooting two Blount County sheriff’s deputies on Thursday night, resulting in the death of one, has prompted a statewide Blue Alert. Kenneth Wayne DeHart, from Alcoa, is being sought by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office on charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and possession of a weapon by a felon.
The incident occurred when Deputy Greg McCowan and Deputy Shelby Eggers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on an SUV in Maryville. Despite their efforts, DeHart refused to cooperate and exit the vehicle. The situation escalated, leading to DeHart firing shots at the deputies, fatally injuring McCowan and injuring Eggers. DeHart fled the scene and is currently being pursued by multiple law enforcement agencies.
If anyone has any information regarding DeHart’s whereabouts, they are urged to contact the Blount County Sheriff’s Office or the TBI, with a $10,000 reward being offered for information leading to his arrest.