BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — The man accused of killing a Blount County deputy and injuring another has filed a lawsuit against the county, its sheriff, and several deputies, claiming excessive use of force during his arrest. Kenneth DeHart, the defendant in the tragic shooting that occurred nearly one year ago, is seeking up to $3 million in damages.
The lawsuit, filed on February 7, 2025, just one day before the anniversary of the deadly incident, alleges that the deputies involved used excessive force during the traffic stop and his subsequent arrest. DeHart claims that Deputy Greg McCowan, who was killed during the encounter, and Deputy Shelby Eggers, who was injured, acted unlawfully in their handling of the situation.
According to the legal filing, DeHart was pulled over on February 8, 2024, after Deputy Eggers observed him driving erratically, crossing the center line multiple times. DeHart, who says he was returning from his son’s basketball game in Gatlinburg, was asked to exit his vehicle after Eggers reported smelling marijuana. When DeHart refused to comply, he requested a drug-sniffing dog to be brought to the scene, but Eggers informed him that none were available.
Backup arrived when Deputy McCowan joined Eggers at the scene, and the situation escalated. The lawsuit alleges that a struggle ensued as the deputies attempted to remove DeHart from the vehicle. Fearing for his life, DeHart reportedly fired his gun, which resulted in the fatal shooting of McCowan and injuries to Eggers.
The lawsuit goes on to describe the physical and emotional trauma DeHart allegedly experienced during the arrest. DeHart claims that after he was transferred to Blount County custody, deputies used excessive force while transporting him, allegedly holding him on the ground with kneeled pressure, despite his cries of pain. The filing also highlights a visible head wound on DeHart that he says appeared after his transfer from Knox County custody, suggesting he was injured during the exchange.
Additionally, the lawsuit outlines the injuries documented by medical staff at the Loudon County Jail, where DeHart was eventually transferred. These injuries included bruises on his forehead, scalp, wrists, and elbows, as well as a scrape on his left eye. The filing argues that these injuries were the result of excessive force and poor handling of the situation by Blount County deputies.
The lawsuit further accuses the Blount County Sheriff’s Office of failing to adequately equip and prepare its deputies for the encounter. DeHart is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages in the amount of up to $3 million.
Blount County, Sheriff James Lee Berrong, and several deputies are named in the lawsuit. DeHart is requesting a jury trial to determine the outcome.
This legal battle comes amid ongoing criminal proceedings related to the shooting incident. DeHart faces charges for the death of Deputy McCowan and the injury of Deputy Eggers. The trial is set to begin in April 2026, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty for DeHart.
The case continues to draw attention, both for its tragic nature and the legal ramifications that could shape the future of policing and use of force policies in the region.
