MARYVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Blue Alert for 42-year-old Kenneth Wayne DeHart, who is wanted by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for killing an officer and injuring another.
According to the TBI, DeHart was last seen in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville. At this time, there is no known clothing description or direction of travel, and he should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
The issuance of a Blue Alert indicates that a law enforcement officer has been killed or seriously injured and that the suspect is at large. The alert is intended to quickly disseminate information to the public to aid in the apprehension of the suspect and to protect law enforcement officers and the community.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office has not provided further details on the circumstances of the incident or the identities of the officers involved. However, the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Dehart to law enforcement immediately.
As the search for DeHart continues, the community is on high alert, with authorities urging residents to report any suspicious activity and to remain indoors if possible. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local law enforcement community and has left residents concerned for their safety.
Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to track down DeHart, and are relying on tips from the public to lead to his swift capture. The Blue Alert serves as a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty and highlights the urgency of bringing the suspect to justice.