(NewsNation) — Authorities in Tennessee are offering rewards totaling more than $75,000 leading to the arrest of a man accused of shooting and killing a Blount County Sheriff’s deputy.
Deputy Greg McCowan was shot and killed Thursday evening during a traffic stop in Maryville, Tennessee, NewsNation local affiliate WATE wrote. A second deputy, Shelby Eggers, was shot in the leg and returned fire. Eggers was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the hospital and has been released.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect in the shooting as 42-year-old Kenneth Dehart. Dehart has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a handgun.
Those with information on Dehart, who was last seen in Maryville, can call 865-981-7125 or 800-TBI-FIND. Dehart was added to the TBI’s Most Wanted list.
Reward money has been offered by the sheriff’s office, U.S. Marshal’s Service, East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers as well as Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, among others, WATE wrote.
McCowan, according to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, began working at the agency in 2020. In April 2021, he was rewarded with the Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving commendation for his part in saving the life of a man trapped in a burning vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.
He leaves behind two children, a granddaughter, his parents and fianceé.
“Deputy McCowan was a hero both in life and in his death,” the Blount County Sheriff’s Office said. “(Blount County Sheriff James) Berrong and our deputies are heartbroken at his senseless death.”