A sheriff’s deputy in Tennessee was seriously injured during a live-streamed police show when he was attacked by a suspect he was trying to apprehend. The incident occurred on Saturday in a wooded area of a residential neighborhood in Knoxville.
Deputy Dalton Swanger of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office was part of the show "On Patrol: Live," which was broadcasting in real-time. Officers were responding to reports of a shooting and were searching for 44-year-old Christopher Hensley, who had fled into the dark woods behind a home. As deputies called out for him, Hensley responded with insults, escalating the situation.
Swanger entered the thicket with his weapon drawn, believing Hensley might be armed. Video footage from the show captured the moment when Swanger fell to the ground after being struck in the face, reportedly with a brick or rock, by Hensley. The studio audience watched in shock as fellow deputies rushed in to drag Swanger to safety and provide medical assistance.
His girlfriend, who was watching the live broadcast, witnessed the attack unfold. Despite his tough demeanor, Swanger’s condition worsened after the cameras stopped rolling. He was unresponsive when taken to the Tennessee Medical Center, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.
As of now, Swanger has shown some signs of recovery, managing to move all four limbs, although he is not out of danger yet. Hensley was arrested shortly after the incident and faces multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault on a first responder.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Swanger and his family, raising over $65,000 in donations. The community is rallying around the deputy as he fights to recover from this violent encounter.
