Shocking Assault Leaves Tennessee Deputy in Coma: Community Rallies for Justice

On Saturday night at 10:15 p.m., a report of gunfire on Stanley Road in Knox County, Tennessee prompted a quick response from 911.

Upon arrival, deputies were directed by a woman to a nearby wooded area, where she said her “crazy ex” was hiding. As the officers announced themselves with calls of “Sheriff’s Office,” they were met with curses from the darkness, followed by a barrage of rocks.

The suspect, hidden by the dense trees, claimed to be armed with a gun, using the cover of night to his advantage.

Deputy Swanger, unable to see clearly, demanded the suspect show his hands. As Swanger ventured deeper into the woods, rocks suddenly rained down on him, one striking his head with force and knocking him to the ground.

Fellow deputies quickly reached Swanger, who had been rendered unconscious, and pulled him to safety away from the woods. A noticeable, bloody wound marked his head, and he struggled to maintain balance.

Swanger is admitted into the ICU at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he ends up on a ventilator in a coma.

The suspect, 44-year-old Christopher Michael Hensley, is caught and charged.

Joining Nancy Grace today:

Additional Guests

• Deputy Dalton Swanger – Knox County Sheriff’s Office (suffered serious injury to his head after suspect hit him with a rock
• Stephania Pumphrey – Girlfriend of Deputy Swanger
• Deputy Matthew Kirchner – Former partner of Deputy Dalton Swanger

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo: Deputy Dalton Swanger/Knox County Sheriff’s Office]