Gov. Bill Lee (R) Wednesday announced that the flag at the state Capitol will fly at half staff in honor of a fallen Blount County Sheriff’s Deputy who was killed in the line of duty.
“Today, flags over the State Capitol will be lowered in remembrance of Deputy Greg McGowan, who laid down his life to protect & serve Tennesseans. Maria & I continue to lift his family & loved ones up in prayer,” Lee said on X, formerly Twitter.
Today, flags over the State Capitol will be lowered in remembrance of Deputy Greg McGowan, who laid down his life to protect & serve Tennesseans.
Maria & I continue to lift his family & loved ones up in prayer. pic.twitter.com/2ZdkPsQjXu
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) February 14, 2024
Kenneth Wayne DeHart, the man accused of killing 43-year-old McGowan (pictured above) and wounding another Blount County Sheriff’s Deputy during a traffic stop last Thursday, was reportedly taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon following a five-day manhunt.
Deputy Shelby Eggers, 22, was also injured during the shootout.
“Kenneth Wayne DeHart was taken into custody a short time ago in Knoxville! Now the judicial process will take place in the court system,” Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong said on Facebook. “Thanks to all of our law enforcement partners and our community.”
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), DeHart refused to cooperate with police before pulling a gun on them.
“The driver, identified as Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. … would not cooperate with deputies and refused to get out of the vehicle. A taser was deployed with no effect,” TBI said. “At some point during the encounter, DeHart produced a gun and fired shots, striking both deputies. At least one of the deputies returned fire. One deputy was transported to an area hospital, where he later died. The other deputy was also transported with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. DeHart drove away from the scene.”
A blue alert was issued for DeHart, who is charged with one count of First Degree Murder, one count of Attempted First Degree Murder, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Weapon. Further charges are pending.
After announcing DeHart’s capture, TBI posted a message supporting McGowan.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Deputy Greg McCowan’s family, friends, and his brothers and sisters at the Blount County Sheriff’s Office,” TBI said. “Thank you for your service, sir.”
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Deputy Greg McCowan’s family, friends, and his brothers and sisters at the Blount County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service, sir. 💙🖤 pic.twitter.com/Xx6d0ECcF9
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) February 14, 2024
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X / Twitter.
