East Tennessee - Kenneth DeHart remains at the top of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Most Wanted List, with a $100,000 reward now offered for information leading to his arrest. DeHart is accused of fatally shooting a Blount County Sheriff's Deputy and injuring another during a Thursday night traffic stop in Maryville, Tennessee. Following the incident, a statewide "Blue Aler" was issued. During a press conference, TBI Director David Rausch stated...
The shooting unfolded when Deputies Greg McCowan and Shelby Eggers attempted to stop 42-year-old DeHart on Sevierville Road in Blount County. Reports suggest DeHart refused to exit the SUV he was driving, prompting deputies to use a taser on him. DeHart then allegedly opened fire, injuring both deputies, before fleeing the scene.
Deputy McCowan succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to the hospital, while Deputy Eggers sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg and was treated and released. A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office confirmed she is now recovering at home. DeHart faces charges of First Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, and Felon in Possession of a Weapon.
DeHart's brother, Marcus Erving DeHart, was arrested over the weekend for allegedly aiding his brother's escape from deputies. The 41-year-old was charged with accessory after the fact.
Additionally, 32-year-old Carrie Matthews, reported to be the suspect's girlfriend, was apprehended for allegedly tipping off DeHart while detectives were at her residence in Pigeon Forge. During the investigation, Matthews received a call from someone she identified as "Janeisha," who was actually DeHart, alerting him to the detectives' presence.
The reward for DeHart's arrest now stands at $100,000. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Blount County Sheriff's Office at 865-981-7125 or inform the TBI of the suspect's whereabouts by calling 1-800-TBI-FIND. Law enforcement cautions that DeHart is considered armed and dangerous.
