Search continues for Deputy Greg McCowan’s killer, reward increased to $100,000

(Kenneth DeHart, Wanted, Image credits: Blount County Sheriff’s Office / US Marshall’s Service)

On February 9, Tennessee’s Blount County Sheriff Office announced increasing the reward leading to the arrest of 42-year-old Kenneth DeHart, the man suspected of shooting and killing Blount County Deputy Greg McCowan on September 8.   That reward now stands at $100,000.  The original reward posted following the shootings was $80,000.

On February 8, according to the Tennessee Police Benevolent Association, Deputy McCowan was shot and killed during a traffic stop that he and a fellow deputy had initiated. During the stop, the driver who got pulled over opened fire on the two deputies. McCowan was fatally injured, and the other deputy was shot in the leg. She was able to return fire as the suspect fled on foot. She survived the shooting.

The sheriff’s office identified DeHart’s second shooting victim during that fatal traffic stop as 22-year-old Deputy Shelby Eggers, who has since been released from the hospital and is now recovering at home.

 

McCowan has been a deputy with the sheriff’s office since 2020. In April 2021, he received a lifesaving award for his part in saving the life of a man who was trapped in a burning vehicle. Deputy McCowan was 43 years old at the time of his death and is survived by his children, Cayley and Cayden, and a granddaughter, Ella.

The Tennessee Benevolent Police Association has set up a fundraising platform with all proceeds, 100%,  going to Deputy McCowan’s family. 

Regarding the manhunt for Dehart, CBS News quoted Sheriff James Lee Berrong as saying, “We’re committed to track him down.  We’re going to get him and he’s going to be brought to justice in Blount County.”

While law enforcement officials were searching for Dehart, they managed to nab his brother and girlfriend who have each been charged with accessory after the fact, according to Yahoo! News.

Law enforcement officials are still actively searching for the shooter on charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm.  If you have any information about the whereabouts of Keneth Dehart or have seen or talked to him since Thursday evening, please call 865-981-7125 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Dehart is considered armed and dangerous.

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(Sources:  Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Police Benevolent Association)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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