Deputy Sheriff Greg A. McCowan, 43, of Maryville, Tennessee, was killed on February 8, 2024 while backing up another deputy during a traffic stop at 4959 Sevierville Road. The driver stopped for erratic driving, later identified as 42-year-old Kenneth DeHart, produced a firearm, shot Deputy McCowan multiple times and wounded the other deputy in the leg. The injured deputy returned fire but DeHart fled in his vehicle.

Deputy McCowan was taken to Blount Memorial Hospital, where he died. DeHart, a convicted felon, was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm; a reward of over $80,000 was offered. After an extensive aerial and ground search, DeHart was captured in Knoxville on February 13, 2024. DeHart’s brother and a woman identified as his girlfriend were later arrested on accessory charges.

McCowan had served with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office since 2020 and received a life-saving award in April 2021. He is survived by his fiancée Leah Lane, two children, Cayley and Cayden McCowan, and a granddaughter, Ella Underwood. If anyone has information about the shooting or knew Deputy McCowan, please share what you know.