Maryville man wanted for killing deputy, TBI says
UPDATE:
The TBI says the reward for information leading to DeHart’s arrest is now more than $60,000.
Anyone with information on him may call 865-981-7125 or 800-TBI-FIND.
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — An officer-involved shooting took place in Maryville on Thursday night, resulting in the death of one deputy. The suspect is still on the run and there is an active Blue Alert for him, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The TBI has identified the suspect in this case as 42-year-old Kenneth Wayne DeHart, Jr.
Kenneth Wayne DeHart, Jr. / TBI
They say that Blount County sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on DeHart’s vehicle at around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday. This happened in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road.
The TBI said DeHart would not cooperate and refused to exit his vehicle.
Deputies tased DeHart “with no effect,” the TBI said. They say DeHart then pulled out a gun and shot both deputies. At least one of the deputies returned fire, authorities said.
First responders took the two deputies to a hospital. One of them later died at the hospital. The other has serious injuries that are not life-threatening, the TBI explained.
Kenneth Wayne DeHart, Jr. / TBI
DeHart fled the scene and is still on the run as of Friday morning.
However, TBI agents obtained arrest warrants for DeHart on Friday morning. They are charging him with one count of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder and one count of felon in possession of a weapon.
The TBI has added DeHart to their Most Wanted list. Local, state and federal agencies are searching for him.
There is currently a reward being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Kenneth DeHart has been added to the #TNMostWanted list. He’s wanted for First Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, and Felon in Possession of a Weapon. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Have info? Call 1-800-TBI-FIND. pic.twitter.com/wMarY3gc4p— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) February 9, 2024
