The Intense Manhunt and Arrest: Closure for McCowan’s Family
Following the incident, Kenneth DeHart went into hiding, triggering a manhunt that kept the nation on edge. Law enforcement intensified their efforts, leading to the arrest of DeHart’s brother, Marcus Erving DeHart, and his girlfriend, Carrie Mathews, on charges of aiding DeHart after the crime.
Kenneth DeHart was eventually apprehended on Tuesday afternoon in East Knoxville, surrendering without resistance. He was taken into custody using the handcuffs that belonged to Deputy McCowan, bringing a sense of closure to the McCowan family and the law enforcement community involved in the pursuit.
The Shooting Incident: A Routine Traffic Stop Turned Tragic
On that fateful day, Deputy Greg McCowan and Deputy Shelby Eggers pulled over Kenneth DeHart for suspected erratic driving. The seemingly routine traffic stop took a perilous turn when DeHart, instead of cooperating, resisted and fired shots, injuring both deputies.
Despite the deputies’ attempts to subdue DeHart with a stun gun, he managed to escape the scene in his car. Tragically, Deputy Greg McCowan succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The Manhunt Ends: Kenneth DeHart’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Despite a significant reward for information leading to DeHart’s capture, he eluded authorities for nearly five days. The arrest finally took place in Knoxville, Tennessee, on February 13, 2024.
DeHart is scheduled to appear in court on February 15, 2024. Sheriff James Lee Berrong expressed a desire for the death penalty, subject to the decision of McCowan’s family and the District Attorney General. District 5 Attorney General Ryan Desmond plans to consult with McCowan’s family before making a final decision.
Sheriff Berrong intends to release body camera and vehicle camera footage of the February 8 shooting, prioritizing consultation with the family in this sensitive matter.
Kenneth DeHart’s Background: A Life in Blount County
Born in Tennessee in 1981, Kenneth DeHart spent much of his life in Blount County, building strong ties within the community. A fixture in the area, he shared his home with his girlfriend, Carrie Mathews, and maintained close relationships, particularly with his brother, Marcus Erving DeHart.
While details about his childhood remain scarce, Kenneth’s deep roots in Blount County and his connections within the community provide insight into the person thrust into the public eye due to the tragic events of February 8, 2024.
