A Knox County sheriff’s deputy remains in critical condition after being violently assaulted by a suspect during a live television broadcast that captured the shocking attack in real time.
Deputy Dalton Swanger was severely beaten by Christopher Hensley, the same suspect he was attempting to locate, during Saturday’s episode of “On Patrol: Live,” a cop-themed television program that broadcasts police operations as they unfold.
The incident occurred in a wooded area behind a residential property in a Knoxville neighborhood, where officers had responded to reports of a shooting in the area.
Law enforcement personnel were actively searching for Hensley, a 44-year-old suspect who had led deputies into the dark wooded terrain behind a home during their investigation.
Multiple deputies called out into the woods, shouting “Sheriff’s office!” as they attempted to locate the suspect, who responded from the darkness with challenging profanity.
Deputy Swanger entered the dense thicket with his weapon drawn, believing the suspect to be armed and dangerous based on the initial shooting reports that brought officers to the scene.
Television cameras captured the moment when Swanger suddenly fell to his side, appearing limp and unresponsive after the suspect allegedly struck him in the face with what authorities believe was a brick or rock.
The violent assault left the deputy unconscious and in critical condition, with fellow officers immediately rushing to provide emergency medical assistance to their fallen colleague.
“On Patrol: Live” co-host Tom Rizzo described the moment in a Facebook statement, saying “The entire studio went silent as we watched what happened next. His mates dragging him to safety to render aid… as Dalton tried to regain his feet, says, ‘I’m going to be heavy.’”
The deputy’s girlfriend was among the viewers watching the live broadcast when the brutal attack occurred, witnessing the assault as it happened in real time on television.
Fellow deputies dragged Swanger’s unconscious body from the wooded area by his arms, with the injured officer initially attempting to downplay the severity of his injuries before his condition deteriorated.
After cameras stopped rolling, Swanger’s condition worsened significantly, and he became unresponsive, requiring immediate transportation to Tennessee Medical Center for emergency treatment.
The New York Post reported that medical personnel admitted Swanger to the intensive care unit, where he remains under close observation as doctors monitor his recovery from the severe head trauma sustained during the attack.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office provided an update on Swanger’s condition, stating that while he remains in critical condition, he has shown small signs of improvement and can move all four limbs.
Hensley was taken into custody following the conclusion of the live broadcast, with authorities filing multiple serious charges against the suspect in connection with the violent assault.
The suspect faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault on a first responder, possession of a firearm with intent to go armed and manufacturing, delivering, selling or possession of a controlled substance.
Community members have rallied around the injured deputy, establishing a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $65,000 to support Swanger and his family during his recovery.
WATCH:
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Author: Jordyn M.
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