Blue Alert Issued for Kenneth Wayne DeHart After Officer Killed in Blount Co., Tenn.

MARYVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Blue Alert for 42-year-old Kenneth Wayne DeHart. According to the TBI, he is wanted by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for killing an officer and injuring another.

DeHart was last seen in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road in Maryville. There is currently no known clothing description or direction of travel. Authorities have advised the public to consider DeHart armed and dangerous, urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.

The issuance of a Blue Alert is a rare occurrence and is typically activated when an officer is killed or seriously injured, and the suspect is at large. The alert system is designed to quickly notify the public of violent suspects who pose a serious risk to law enforcement and the public.

The news has sparked concern and fear in the community, with residents urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. The manhunt for DeHart is ongoing, with authorities deploying all available resources to locate and apprehend the suspect.

Law enforcement agencies across the region are working collaboratively to ensure the safety of the public and bring DeHart to justice. The community is advised to stay informed and compliant with any updates or instructions from law enforcement as the situation continues to unfold.