Blount County, Tenn. — Kenneth DeHart, the man accused of fatally shooting Blount County Sheriff’s Deputy Greg McCowan and injuring Deputy Shelby Eggers, has filed a lawsuit against Blount County and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, alleging excessive force during his arrest that led to significant injuries. The lawsuit, which was filed in the wake of the tragic February 8, 2024 incident, claims that the officers’ actions during a traffic stop violated DeHart’s constitutional rights.
According to the lawsuit, DeHart was initially cooperative when officers pulled him over for a driving infraction. However, things escalated when Deputy Eggers, who was at the scene, reportedly smelled marijuana coming from DeHart’s vehicle. She called for backup, and when additional officers, including McCowan, arrived, they attempted to remove DeHart from the car.
The documents state that DeHart refused to consent to a search of his vehicle and requested a drug dog be brought to the scene. Instead of waiting for the drug dog, the lawsuit alleges, the officers quickly escalated the situation by deploying a Taser on DeHart four separate times while attempting to forcibly remove him from the vehicle.
DeHart’s legal team argues that the use of the Taser was unnecessary, unprovoked, and caused lasting physical harm, including potential brain injuries. The lawsuit claims that DeHart was in significant pain and disoriented from the multiple shocks, and he repeatedly pleaded with the officers to stop. The incident, according to the lawsuit, culminated in an altercation during which shots were fired, ultimately resulting in the death of Deputy McCowan and the injury of Deputy Eggers.
The lawsuit further contends that, despite the officers’ claims of probable cause, no marijuana was found in DeHart’s vehicle following a search. DeHart’s attorneys argue that the use of force was excessive and that their client was a victim of the officers’ improper conduct, which led to the fatal outcome.
DeHart, who was apprehended a few days after the shooting, faces charges related to the shooting deaths of McCowan and Eggers. His trial is scheduled to take place in 2026. While the lawsuit acknowledges the tragic outcome of the incident, DeHart’s legal team maintains that he did not intend to harm either officer and is deeply remorseful for the events that transpired.
The case continues to raise important questions about the use of force by law enforcement and the rights of individuals during interactions with police, especially in tense and potentially dangerous situations. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for how excessive force claims are handled in similar cases across the country.
