Joint Statement from Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler
Our hearts go out to the families and friends of Blount County Deputies Greg McCowan and Shelby Eggers. Knox County stands with Blount County and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.
These senseless, cowardly shootings and murders against those who protect our communities must end!
Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs want to show solidarity by joining the efforts of Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell and Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong by matching the $10,000 reward leading to the capture and arrest of Kenneth Dehart, 42, the man charged with shooting and killing Blount County Deputy Greg McCowan last night, Feb. 8, 2024. Dehart is considered armed and dangerous.
Deputy McCowan was an outstanding and exemplary officer of the law. He dedicated his life to the community as demonstrated by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving Commendation he deservedly earned in 2021 as he risked his own life to save a man trapped inside a burning vehicle.
Deputy Eggers was shot in the leg, but thankfully treated and released.
Sadly, this is another example of the dangers law enforcement officers face every time they wear the uniform. Anyone with information concerning Kenneth Dehart’s location should not engage him, but call the Blount County Sheriff’s Office at 865-981-7125 or the TBI at 1-800- TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463).
Kenneth Dehart is a 42-year-old Black male with brown eyes. He is 6 feet tall and weighs 260 lbs. He was last seen in Maryville with short dreadlocks and a goatee.
