#BREAKING: A deputy was killed and another was injured in an officer-involved shooting in Blount County, Tennessee

More Update from Blount County Sheriff's office;

February 9, 2024 Sheriff James Lee Berrong would like to share some information about Deputy Greg McCowan and Deputy Shelby Eggers. We reported to you earlier that Deputy Greg McCowan was murdered during an officer-involved shooting Thursday evening. We’d like to tell you about Deputy McCowan’s career at the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy McCowan, age 43, began his full-time career at the BCSO in 2020 in the midst of COVID. Prior to coming on full-time with the BCSO, Deputy McCowan served as a reserve deputy. He worked in manufacturing, but he was always interested in law enforcement so he applied for and was hired as a patrol deputy and attended the BCSO Regional Law Enforcement Academy Class 021 in 2020. Deputy McCowan excelled during the academy, and following his graduation in October 2020, he served as a patrol deputy on evening shift. He was awarded the Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving commendation in April 2021 for his part in saving the life of a man trapped in a burning vehicle. He was an EMR and was also recently accepted on the Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiations team and was excited to put his recent certification to use. Deputy McCowan was always smiling and friendly to everyone. He loved riding motorcycles and restoring old vehicles. Deputy McCowan leaves behind his children Cayley and Cayden, his granddaughter Ella, his mother and father, his fiancé Leah, and numerous family and friends. Deputy Shelby Eggers was also shot and injured during the incident Thursday evening. Deputy Eggers received non-life-threatening injuries. She was released from the hospital and is recovering at home. Deputy Eggers, 22, began her career at the Sheriff’s Office in 2019 as a Corrections deputy. She applied for and was accepted into the Sheriff’s Office Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy and graduated from Class 025 in 2022. Deputy Eggers currently serves as a patrol deputy. Deputy Eggers knew before she graduated from Heritage High School in 2019 that she wanted to work for the BCSO. She was excited when she was accepted into the academy, and like Deputy McCowan, she excelled as a recruit. Deputy Eggers has gained some notoriety over the past few years due to her beautiful voice. She was selected to sing the National Anthem for her academy class graduation and subsequent academy graduations. In 2023, Deputy Eggers had the distinct honor of being chosen to perform the National Anthem at the Smith & Wesson grand opening in front of hundreds of people. Deputy Eggers’ upbeat spirit and her hard work has won the affection of her co-workers. Deputy McCowan was a hero both in life and in his death. Sheriff Berrong and our deputies are heartbroken at his senseless death. Please continue to pray for Deputy McCowan’s family and friends, and for Deputy Eggers and her complete recovery. Thanks to our Blount County community as well as our friends and supporters across the state and country. We hear you, and we are thankful for you.

More Update from Blount County Sheriff's office:

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF SUSPECT NOW MORE THAN $60,000 MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE - Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong announced the reward for information leading to the arrest of Kenneth Wayne Dehart is now more than $50,000. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $10,000 reward and Smith & Wesson CEO Mark Smith is offering a $40,000 reward in addition to the current reward of $10,000 and the up to $2,500 reward that is being offered by TBI. If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of Kenny Wayne Dehart, please call 865-981-7125 or 800-TBI-FIND.

Additional update from the Blount County Sheriff's office:

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 **SHERIFF'S OFFICE SEEKING SECURITY CAMERA/DOORBELL CAMERA VIDEO** Maryville, Tennessee - Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is asking anyone who lives in the Wildwood area who may have outdoor security or doorbell camera video systems to please check your system this morning for video or photos of possible suspicious persons or activity that may have occurred near your resident overnight. This is in regard to the officer-involved shooting and the death of BCSO Deputy Greg McCowan and injury of Deputy Shelby Eggers that occurred Thursday evening. If anyone has any activity on their systems that may be of help in this investigation, please call 865-981-7125.

Update from the Blount County Sheriff's office:

"FEBRUARY 9, 2024 **Update in regard to officer-involved shooting** Maryville , Tennessee - Sevierville Road between Keeble Road and Destiny Lane is reopened. Thank you for your patience as we continue to investigate our officer -involved shooting and line of duty death of Deputy Greg McCowan that occurred Thursday evening. Deputy Shelby Eggers was also shot and injured during the incident. Deputy Eggers was released from the hospital and is recovering at home. Thank you for the support and prayers for Deputy McCowan’s family and for Deputy Eggers’ continued recovery. This investigation is ongoing and we are still actively searching for suspect Kenneth Dehart, age 42. If you have any information about the whereabouts of Mr. Dehart or have seen or talk to him since Thursday evening, please call 865-981-7125. The heart is considered armed and dangerous. There is a $10,000 reward being offered for information leading to the arrest of Kenneth Dehart. "

In the wake of the recent officer-involved shooting in Blount County, Tennessee, the community finds itself grappling with a profound sense of loss and urgency. The tragic incident, which resulted in the death of Deputy Greg McCowan and left another deputy injured, serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty.

The events of that fateful Thursday night unfolded during a routine traffic stop, a task that epitomizes the everyday responsibilities shouldered by law enforcement officers. What began as a routine procedure tragically escalated into a confrontation that claimed the life of Deputy McCowan and left his colleague wounded. Such incidents not only underscore the dangers inherent in law enforcement but also highlight the bravery and selflessness exhibited by those who serve and protect our communities.

As the Blount County Sheriff's Office launches a manhunt for the suspect, Kenneth Dehart, the community is urged to remain vigilant. Dehart, described as armed and dangerous, poses a significant threat to public safety. The issuance of warrants for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm underscores the severity of the situation and the urgency of apprehending the suspect.

In response to the incident, authorities have initiated a series of measures aimed at facilitating Dehart's capture. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Blue Alert, signaling the seriousness of the situation and calling upon the public to assist in locating the suspect. Additionally, a dedicated tip line has been established to encourage individuals with any information regarding Dehart's whereabouts to come forward. The involvement of the community in providing vital information is crucial in ensuring the swift resolution of this tragic case.

As the investigation unfolds and law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice, it is imperative for the community to rally together in support of our officers. The loss of Deputy McCowan serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel who dedicate themselves to maintaining public safety. In honoring his memory, we must reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who courageously serve our communities, often at great personal risk.

Furthermore, the incident prompts broader reflections on the complex issues surrounding gun violence and the need for comprehensive measures to address its root causes. While tragedies such as this underscore the importance of law enforcement in safeguarding communities, they also highlight the urgency of implementing effective strategies to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place. This includes not only addressing access to firearms but also addressing underlying social, economic, and mental health factors that contribute to violence in our society.

In conclusion, the officer-involved shooting in Blount County serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers and the profound impact of such tragedies on communities. As we mourn the loss of Deputy Greg McCowan and pray for the swift recovery of his injured colleague, let us unite in solidarity and resolve to support our law enforcement personnel. Together, we can honor their bravery and sacrifice by working towards a safer and more just society for all.

The deputy killed in Blount County has been identified as Greg McGowan, age 43. The second deputy who was wounded, Shelby Eggers, was shot in the leg, and fired shots toward the suspect, possibly striking him. She has been released from the hospital.

Office statement from Blount County Sheriff:

"FEBRUARY 9, 2024 MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE - Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong said warrants have been issued for Kenneth Dehart for first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm. The Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies are actively searching for Kenneth Dehart in connection with the death of a deputy and the injury of another deputy Thursday evening. Dehart is considered armed and dangerous and you should not approach him. If anyone has any information about Dehart's whereabouts, please call 865-981-7125. Please look at the attached photo of Kenneth Dehart that was taken this evening. Sevierville Road between Keeble Road and Destiny Lane is closed for an indefinite period of time. Please find an alternate route if you must travel in that area."

"February 8, 2024 Sheriff James Lee Berrong has requested the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to assist with an officer involved shooting that took place in Blount County a short time ago. The Sheriff’s Office is looking for Kenneth Dehart, age 42. Dehart has dreadlocks and is driving a silver Lexus. Dehart is considered armed and dangerous. If you see Dehart, do not approach him. Call 865-981-7125 immediately if you encounter him or know of his whereabouts. The media staging area is at the Blount County Justice Center at 940 East Lamar Alexander Parkwayy, Maryville. Sevierville Road will be shut down for indefinite period of time from Keeble Road to Destiny Lane. Please find an alternate route if you must travel in that area. Additional information will be released by way of our Facebook page as it becomes available."

Blount County Sheriff's Deputy Greg McCowan, who was shot and killed earlier this evening during a traffic stop in Maryville, was escorted from Blount Memorial Hospital to the University of Tennessee Forensics Center in Knoxville early this morning by his fellow brothers and sisters in blue.

We stand with Deputy McCowans family, friends and colleagues during this absolutely tragic time.