Tennessee deputy killed during traffic stop, another injured; 'armed and dangerous' felon at large

 A manhunt is underway in Tennessee after a sheriff's deputy was killed and another was injured during a traffic stop Thursday, according to Blount County Sheriff James Berong.

During a news conference Friday morning, the Sheriff's Office identified the slain deputy as Greg McCowan. It was also learned that a female deputy was shot in the leg and was taken to a local hospital.

Authorities are actively searching for 42-year-old Kenneth Wayne DeHart in connection with a fatal traffic stop in Maryville Thursday night. Berong said warrants have been issued for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Details about the traffic stop in the 4900 block of Sevierville Road and what led to the fatal shooting were not immediately available.

A blue alert has been issued in Tennessee for DeHart, who was last seen in the Wildwood area east of Maryville. He was driving a silver Lexus, but is now believed to have been on foot and is considered "armed and dangerous".

He is described as a black man with black hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 260 pounds. The Blount County Sheriff's Office said he currently has dreadlocks.

According to Berong, the mayor of Blount County is also offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Tips regarding DeHart's whereabouts can be left with BCSO at 865-981-7125 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Berong said tearfully Friday morning that he had spoken to McCowan's family and apologized for "not protecting her."

"We will get this man off the streets of East Tennessee and behind bars," Berrong promised.