News Summary
A deputy from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office is in critical condition following a violent confrontation with a suspect on Stanley Road. Deputy Dalton Swanger sustained severe head trauma when struck by a large rock during the altercation. The suspect, Christopher Michael Hensley, has been arrested and faces multiple serious charges. The local community is rallying support for Deputy Swanger and his family, with a GoFundMe page established to assist them during this difficult time.
Knoxville
A deputy with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office is in critical condition following an incident in which he was struck in the head during a confrontation with a suspect. The event occurred on June 21, 2025, around 10 p.m. in the 7800 block of Stanley Road. Deputy Dalton Swanger has sustained severe head trauma and is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit at the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC).
Authorities received a 911 call reporting a shooting just before 10:15 p.m., prompting the arrival of KCSO deputies, who encountered 44-year-old Christopher Michael Hensley from Powell. Hensley allegedly engaged in aggressive behavior towards the deputies, yelling profanities and throwing rocks at them. The altercation escalated when Deputy Swanger was struck by a large rock or brick, causing significant injury.
In the aftermath of the incident, Hensley was apprehended early the next morning, around 6:20 a.m. He is currently facing several serious charges, including:
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Aggravated assault on a first responder
- Domestic assault
- Possession of a firearm with intent to go armed
- Manufacturing, delivering, selling, and possession of a controlled substance
The Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident that resulted in Deputy Swanger’s injury. The KCSO is committed to utilizing all available resources to gather further details and ensures a thorough inquiry into the matter.
Community support for Deputy Swanger and his family has been robust, with a GoFundMe page established to assist during this challenging time. Local officials and other law enforcement agencies, including the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, have also expressed their support and prayers for Deputy Swanger’s recovery.
Sheriff Tom Spangler publicly shared his concern for Deputy Swanger and emphasized the importance of a comprehensive investigation into the incident. He reiterated the commitment of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office to bringing justice regarding this act of violence against a law enforcement officer.
As the investigation continues, updates will be forthcoming, sharing further information about the circumstances of the incident and the health status of Deputy Swanger.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knox County Sheriff’s Office Deputy in Critical Condition
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- WJHL: Knoxville Deputy in Critical Condition
- Google Search: Law Enforcement Injuries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
