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Is Kenneth Dehart Arrested? Why was Kenneth Dehart Arrested? What Did Kenneth Dehart Do?

Explore the circumstances surrounding Kenneth Dehart's arrest and the implications of his alleged actions in the shooting of a Tennessee deputy.

by Reshwanth A

Updated Feb 14, 2024

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Is Kenneth Dehart Arrested? Why was Kenneth Dehart Arrested? What Did Kenneth Dehart Do?
Fresherslive

Is Kenneth Dehart Arrested?

Yes, Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. has been arrested. The Blount County Sheriff's Office reported that he was captured in Knoxville on February 13. Detectives were able to track DeHart's cellphone during the manhunt, leading them to a residence in Knoxville's Park City neighborhood, where he was seen stepping outside. Law enforcement agencies including the Blount County Sheriff's Office, Knox County Sheriff's Office, Knoxville Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Marshals Service were involved in the operation.

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DeHart surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without incident, being booked into a Blount County jail initially. However, due to the nature of the charges and the circumstances, he was later transferred to an undisclosed facility outside of Blount County to ensure that he was in the custody of authorities not connected to the sheriff's office.

DeHart faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and being a felon in possession of a weapon, following the shooting of Deputy Greg McCowan and deputy Shelby Eggers. The Blount County District Attorney will determine, in consultation with McCowan's family, whether to pursue the death penalty in the coming weeks.

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Who is Kenneth Wayne Dehart?

Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. is the suspect accused of fatally shooting a Blount County deputy and injuring another during a traffic stop in Blount County, Tennessee. Following the shooting, DeHart fled the scene and became the subject of a widespread manhunt. He was considered a fugitive and was sought by authorities. DeHart, a 42-year-old man with a violent past and a history of serving time in prison on a weapons charge, was the focus of an intensive search by law enforcement, with a reward of over $100,000 pledged for information leading to his capture.

The manhunt culminated in his arrest in Knoxville, Tennessee, following a nearly weeklong pursuit. DeHart's capture was a significant development, and he was taken into custody by law enforcement, with the judicial process set to take place in the court system.

The arrest of DeHart's brother and girlfriend on charges of accessory after the fact also played a role in the case. The capture of Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. marked the end of a high-profile manhunt and a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the shooting of the Blount County deputy.

Is Kenneth Dehart Found?

Yes, Kenneth DeHart, the murder suspect wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a Tennessee deputy, has been captured following a nearly weeklong manhunt. He was detained in Knoxville on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Blount County Sheriff's Office. DeHart faced first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder charges, as well as one count of being a felon in possession of a weapon, in relation to the shooting of two Blount County deputies during a traffic stop in Maryville.

Deputy Greg McCowan tragically lost his life in the incident, while Deputy Shelby Eggers was injured but has since been released from the hospital. Following DeHart's apprehension, Blount County Sheriff James Berrong expressed relief for the citizens of Blount County and all of East Tennessee, as well as for the deputies and the victim's family.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court, with the murder charge being eligible for the death penalty. The decision on whether to pursue the death penalty will be made in the coming weeks, after consultations with the victim's family. 

Why was Kenneth Dehart Arrested?

The ongoing evasion of Kenneth DeHart, despite the warrants issued for grave charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm, underscores the urgency of the situation. The fatal shooting of Deputy Greg McCowan and the injury of Deputy Shelby Eggers during a routine traffic stop have deeply affected the community and intensified the determination of law enforcement to bring DeHart to justice.

Although DeHart's brother and girlfriend have been apprehended on accessory charges, DeHart himself continues to elude capture. The concerted efforts of over 150 personnel in eastern Tennessee, combined with a substantial reward exceeding $100,000 for information leading to his capture, reflect the gravity of the situation. The resolve of law enforcement to track down DeHart and ensure justice in Blount County remains resolute, with a firm commitment to upholding the rule of law and addressing the impact of Deputy McCowan's tragic loss on the community.

What Did Kenneth Dehart Do?

Kenneth DeHart is accused of fatally shooting one sheriff's deputy and injuring another during a traffic stop in eastern Tennessee. Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong has stated that warrants have been issued for DeHart for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm. The incident occurred when deputies initiated a traffic stop on a sport utility vehicle suspected of erratic driving.

DeHart, identified as the driver, refused to exit the vehicle and, despite the deployment of a stun gun, produced a gun and fired shots, resulting in the tragic death of Deputy Greg McCowan and the injury of Deputy Shelby Eggers. Following the shooting, at least one deputy returned fire, and DeHart fled the scene.

Additionally, DeHart's brother has been arrested and charged with being an accessory for aiding the suspect after the homicide, while a woman believed to be the shooting suspect's girlfriend has also been arrested on an accessory charge.



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Is Kenneth Dehart Arrested - FAQs

1. Is Kenneth Dehart Arrested?

Yes, Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. has been arrested.

2. Why Was Kenneth Dehart Arrested?

Kenneth DeHart was wanted on first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder charges, as well as one count of being a felon in possession of a weapon, in connection with the shooting of two Blount County deputies during a traffic stop in Maryville. Despite the arrest of DeHart's brother and girlfriend on accessory charges, Kenneth DeHart remains at large.

3. What Did Kenneth Dehart Do?

Kenneth DeHart is accused of fatally shooting one sheriff's deputy and injuring another during a traffic stop in eastern Tennessee. Warrants have been issued for DeHart for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm.

4. Has Kenneth Dehart Been Found?

Yes, Kenneth DeHart, the murder suspect wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a Tennessee deputy, has been captured following a nearly weeklong manhunt. He was detained in Knoxville on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Blount County Sheriff's Office.

5. What is the Status of the Manhunt for Kenneth Dehart?

The manhunt for Kenneth DeHart, who is accused of fatally shooting a Blount County deputy and injuring another, continues with over 150 personnel involved in a non-tactical ground search in the Wildwood area. Despite the commitment of law enforcement to track him down, Kenneth DeHart remains at large, and the reward for his arrest exceeds $100,000.

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