KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — It was a chaotic scene in East Knoxville on Tuesday as Most Wanted suspect Kenneth DeHart was taken into custody after nearly five days on the run.
DeHart, 42, was taken into custody Tuesday around 3:30 p.m. after police and SWAT team personnel surrounded a home on Linden Avenue.
“I had just came in and I was getting ready to eat and all at once I heard this boom,” Roberta Martin said.
Martin lives in the house across the street and was settling down to eat dinner when she heard a series of banging noises outside. She said that the scene she encountered when she got to the door left her speechless.
“There was police cars everywhere and them with guns drawn,” Martin said. “I just decided. ‘well, whatever it is, I better get away from the door.'”
DeHart was taken into custody without a fight as law enforcement surrounded the house. Even as the scene played out, residents were left with many questions.
“It was awhile before I knew what was going on. I had no idea what it was, that it was some smoke bombs and tear gas was going on,” Martin said. “But it was a shock to me and everybody else because I didn’t know what was going on.”
Martin said that she along with her neighbors are relieved that this manhunt is now over.
“I’m glad that they arrested him and they didn’t have to beat him to get him to come out,” Martin said. “I’m glad of that.”
DeHart is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday at 9 a.m. ET.