March 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 3

AROUND THE COUNTRY

AROUND THE COUNTRY MARYVILLE, TN. Blount County Deputy Greg McCowan was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop in Maryville Tennessee. Another deputy was also shot but survived. MARYVILLE, TN. (WVLT/Gray News) - A manhunt is underway in Tennessee for a man suspected of shooting two deputies, killing one and injuring the other. Deputy Greg McCowan was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop at about 8:30 p.m. in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville, Tennessee, according to officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. TBI said the suspect, identified as Kenneth DeHart, would not cooperate with deputies and refused to get out of the vehicle. According to TBI, responders used a stun gun during the stop, but it had no effect. At some point during the stop, TBI said DeHart pulled a gun and fired shots, killing McCowan and injuring Deputy Shelby Eggers, who was later released from the hospital to recover at home. “I’m so sorry that we lost him,” Blount County Sheriff James Berrong said. “I talked to his family earlier. I apologize for not protecting him.” McCowan graduated from the police academy in Oct. 2020, according to a post made by the sheriff’s department. He received the Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving Award in 2021 after helping save a man from a burning car. Several warrants have been issued for DeHart, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm with no bond, according to Berrong. A Blue Alert has been issued and DeHart has been added to the TBI’s Most Wanted list. DeHart is considered armed and dangerous. If you see De- Hart, it is advised that you call for back up and conduct a felony stop. A tip line was set up for anyone with information on where DeHart might be. The DEPUTY GREG McCOWAN Blount County Sheriff’s Office asked for anyone who lives in the area to check outdoor security or doorbell cameras for any suspicious activity or people from overnight Thursday evening. Those with information should call 865-981-7125. Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell issued a ,000 reward and the TBI also announced a ,500 reward for information leading to DeHart’s arrest. CLICK TO TAP TO WATCH The Blount County Sheriff’s office in Tennessee released body and dash camera video on Friday showing what led up to the shooting of two deputies during a traffic stop last week that triggered a days long manhunt for the gunman. The video shows the February 8 traffic stop begin with conversation and escalate into a shooting, with one deputy killed and another wounded and flagging down drivers for help. 36 The Blues - March ‘24 The Blues - March ‘24 37