Knox County Deputy Critically Injured After Violent Assault; Suspect Christopher Michael Hensley in Custody
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) — A Knox County deputy is in critical condition following a violent assault late Saturday night while responding to a reported shooting in Knoxville. The deputy, identified as Dalton Swanger, sustained life-threatening injuries after being struck in the head with a heavy object by the alleged attacker, Christopher Michael Hensley, 44.
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), deputies were dispatched to the 7800 block of Stanley Road around 10:15 p.m. on June 21, 2025, after receiving a 911 call reporting a possible shooting in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, Deputy Swanger was ambushed and hit with what authorities describe as either a large rock or a brick.
Following the attack, Hensley fled the scene on foot, prompting an overnight search involving multiple agencies. He was located and arrested just after 6 a.m. Sunday morning. He is currently in custody and faces a range of 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, or Possession of a Controlled Substance
Deputy Swanger was rushed to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Sheriff Tom Spangler issued a public statement from the hospital, asking for the community’s prayers and support.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Swanger and his family during this challenging time,” said Spangler. “I am at the hospital with him and asking our community to do what they do best—pray!”
Deputy Swanger, known for his dedication and service, has served with distinction in the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. His sudden and severe injuries have deeply impacted the law enforcement community and residents across the region.
To help support the Swanger family during this crisis, the nonprofit Blue Line Tennessee has launched a verified GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser aims to offset the mounting financial burdens related to medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other unexpected expenses.
“We are standing with Deputy Swanger and his family,” a Blue Line Tennessee representative shared. “He risked his life for this community, and now it’s our turn to stand by him.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the initial emergency call. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether a shooting had occurred before Deputy Swanger arrived.
As Knox County rallies behind one of its own, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by first responders and the sacrifices they make in the line of duty. The sheriff’s office has promised to release updates on both Swanger’s recovery and the prosecution of Christopher Michael Hensley in the days ahead.