Tennessee police are on day four of an intense manhunt for Craig Berry, a military special forces veteran described as “armed and dangerous” after he allegedly shot his wife early Friday and fled into dense woods near Dover, Tennessee.
Authorities have issued a second‑degree attempted murder warrant for Berry’s arrest, warning the public not to approach him if seen due to concerns for public safety.
Details of the Alleged Shooting and Manhunt
Law enforcement officials say the incident began early Friday morning when Berry and his wife got into an argument. During the dispute, Berry allegedly shot his wife, who was transported to a medical facility. Police have not publicly released details about her condition.
The Stewart County Sheriff’s Office described Berry as “an excellent swimmer and diver” who is physically fit and may have prepared for survival in the wilderness. Authorities believe Berry took extra ammunition and at least one handgun when he fled.
Officials also suspect Berry does not have a phone or other communication device, and they have not ruled out the possibility that he received outside help after the shooting. So far, investigators have no evidence he has left the immediate search area.
Last Known Sighting and Search Area
Berry was last seen near River Trace Road close to the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. A police K‑9 unit confirmed he passed through parts of the area, and a trail camera captured a blurry photograph of him wearing camouflage clothing on Friday morning.
Search efforts are focused on the area bounded by River Trace Road, Highway 79, and Highway 232, where multiple local and federal agencies are working together to locate Berry.
Agencies Involved in the Search
The manhunt has drawn support from a wide range of law enforcement organizations, including:
- Stewart County Sheriff’s Office
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
- Tennessee Highway Patrol
- U.S. Marshals Service
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is also providing air support via helicopter along with state troopers to help scan remote territory that is difficult to access on foot.
Background on Craig Berry
Local officials have confirmed that Berry’s wife works as a school teacher, though they are withholding further personal details to respect privacy.
A Facebook page believed to belong to Berry shows photographs and descriptions of a lengthy military career, with one post referencing a retirement in 2016.
A comment from a former comrade shared an image from 1992 showing Berry in military uniform in front of a memorial.
Investigators have reached out to U.S. Special Operations Command for additional information and have asked anyone who spots Berry to immediately call 911.
Context: Previous Veteran Wilderness Manhunt
Authorities and community members have drawn comparisons to a similar case last year involving Travis Decker, a U.S. Army veteran who allegedly murdered his three young daughters and fled into the wilderness of Washington state.
Decker remained at large for nearly four months before remains were found on Grindstone Mountain, scattered in remote terrain. Because the remains were incomplete, officials said they may never know the exact cause of his death.
The Decker case illustrates the challenges authorities face when tracking individuals with military or survival training through large, difficult wilderness areas.
Summary of Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Craig Berry |
| Alleged Crime | Shooting of his wife (attempted murder) |
| Last Seen | Near River Trace Road, Dover, TN |
| Weapons | At least one handgun, extra ammunition believed taken |
| Search Area | Between River Trace Rd, Hwy 79 & Hwy 232 |
| Agencies Involved | Stewart County Sheriff, TBI, US Marshals, DHS, TN Highway Patrol |
| Public Safety Warning | Considered armed and dangerous; do not approach |
The search for Craig Berry continues into its fourth day as Tennessee law enforcement officials work around the clock to locate him. With concerns over his military training, physical fitness, and potential lack of communication, authorities are urging local residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings.
The tragic circumstances surrounding the shooting and Berry’s disappearance have intensified efforts from multiple agencies, underscoring the serious nature of the incident and the ongoing risk to the community. Anyone with information about Berry’s whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
