Deputy killed in Blount County shooting, search for suspect continues

SEYMOUR, Tenn. (WATE) — A Blount County deputy was killed in an officer-involved shooting Thursday evening. The search for a suspect remains ongoing.

Deputy Greg McCowan was shot and killed during a traffic stop in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road. A female deputy was shot in the leg and returned fire. She was treated at an area hospital and released.

The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Kenneth Dehart. Warrants have been issued charging him with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and being a felon in possession of a handgun.

He is believed to be on foot. His last known location was in the Wildwood area. Anyone who sees him is asked to call 911. A statewide Blue Alert was issued for him and he has been added to the TBI Most Wanted list.

Sheriff James Lee Berrong is asking those who live in the Wildwood area with outdoor security or doorbell camera video systems to check for suspicious activity that may have occurred overnight.

Tips can also be submitted at 865-981-7125. A $10,000 reward is being offered by Blount County and a $2,500 reward is being offered by the TBI for information leading to his arrest.

Agents from the FBI and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are assisting local law enforcement.

 

Preliminary information from the TBI indicated that the deputies initiated a traffic stop on an SUV in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville. However, TBI said the driver identified as DeHart, did not cooperate with deputies and refused to get out of the vehicle. The deputies then used a taser to no effect. TBI contained and said that DeHart pulled out a gun and fired shots, striking both deputies before driving away.