By Marlene Lenthang —
NBC News
A manhunt began Friday for a Tennessee man suspected of fatally shooting a sheriff's deputy and wounding another during a traffic stop and who is considered "armed and dangerous."
Arrest warrants have been issued for Kenneth DeHart, 42, for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and felony possession of a firearm in connection with the Thursday night shooting, the bureau said. from the Blount County Sheriff's Office in a news release.
Kenneth Dehart.Blount County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff's deputies Greg McCowan and Shelby Eggers stopped an SUV during a traffic stop in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday local time.
DeHart “was not cooperative with officers” and refused to exit the vehicle, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), which is investigating the shooting.
A stun gun was used that “had no effect,” the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation added.
“At some point during the encounter, DeHart pulled out a gun and fired, hitting both officers,” the TBI said.
McCowan was taken to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Eggers, who returned fire and was hit in the leg, was also taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
DeHart fled.
A state blue alert was issued for DeHart and he was placed on the TBI's most wanted list.
Sheriff James L. Berrong was shocked when he announced the deputy's death during a news conference Thursday night, saying
“it's the hardest thing I've ever done.”
“Tonight an officer died during a traffic stop, another officer was shot in the leg and returned fire,” Berrong explained.
“We will take this man off the streets of East Tennessee and put him behind bars.”
An image of Blount County Officer Greg McGowan is raised during a press conference after his death was confirmed by authorities on Feb. 9, 2024. Blount County Sheriff's Office
In an update early Friday, the sheriff's office said Eggers was released from the hospital and is recovering at home.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to DeHart's arrest.
He was described as a man driving a silver Lexus, although he is believed to be on foot and was last seen in the Wildwood area.
The sheriff's office is asking residents in the Wildwood area to
check outside security cameras
and doorbells for recordings that may show possible suspicious people or activity in connection with the shooting.
Anyone with information on Dehart's whereabouts or anyone who has seen or spoken to him since Thursday night is asked to call 865-981-7125 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.