Suspect charged in Blount County deputy’s fatal crash expected to plead guilty

BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — The Lenoir City man charged in connection with the death of Blount County Deputy Justin Mowery was seen in court on Monday and could enter a guilty plea as soon as Friday. Dalton Bowman, 24, was only in the courtroom for a little over a minute and waived his right to a preliminary hearing. It all points back to a death that left the Blount County community shaken. 30-year-old Blount County Sheriff's Office Deputy Justin Mowery died in a car crash on December 28, 2025. That’s when Mowery collided with a utility pole, attempting to stop a motorcyclist who didn’t pull over. Investigators identified the motorcyclist as Bowman and he was charged with evading arrest that resulted in the death of a law enforcement officer and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He also has misdemeanor charges of driving on a suspended license, driving without a license, and simple possession of methamphetamine. Bowman will now be transferred to circuit court, District Attorney General Ryan Desmond told 6 News that he is expected to enter a guilty plea. Until then, he remains in custody. Bowman is set to return to court on Friday, May 1. Mowery graduated from BCSO’s regional training academy in October 2020 and later earned a spot on the SWAT team.