Authorities hunt for Special Forces vet accused of shooting wife
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Federal and state agencies teamed up in rural Tennessee to capture a military-trained fugitive accused of shooting his wife and disappearing into dense woods.
Craig Berry, 44, described by authorities as a retired Special Forces veteran with extensive survival training, remains at large after fleeing his home in Stewart County early Sunday morning, according to the county sheriff’s office.
Authorities said Berry was wanted for attempted second-degree murder.
Deputies responded around 1:30 a.m. to a home near Old Paris Highway where Berry was accused of shooting his wife during a domestic fight. Emergency response teams took the woman to the hospital. His condition was not made public.
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The sheriff’s office said Monday that Craig Berry was last seen near River Trace Road and that authorities conducted a “very thorough search” of the area this week from River Trace Road to Highway 79 and parts of Highway 232. (Stewart County Sheriff’s Office)
Before deputies arrived, Berry fled into nearby woods, triggering a rapidly escalating search that covered a wide swath of rugged terrain along the Tennessee-Kentucky border region.
Authorities say Berry was in possession of at least one handgun, may have been carrying additional ammunition and should be considered extremely dangerous.
Berry’s background in Special Forces and his survival skills raised authorities’ concerns. The sheriff’s office said the man was very familiar with the area and had training in survival tactics.
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“He is very familiar with the area,” Sheriff Gray said.
Berry was captured by a trail camera wearing a camouflage outfit, the sheriff’s office said in releasing the photo.
The Stewart County Sheriff’s Office said Craig Berry was captured by a trail camera wearing a camouflage suit. (Stewart County Sheriff’s Office)
Investigators said Berry was last tracked by K-9 units near River Trace Road, but authorities said they no longer knew if he remained in the immediate area.
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From the initial scene near Old Paris Highway, the search area has steadily expanded to include Gray’s Landing and corridors along Highways 232 and 79.
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The operation now includes the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The sheriff’s office said Craig Berry was a retired special forces veteran and had extensive training in survival tactics. Officials added that he was “an excellent swimmer and diver and was in good physical condition.” (Stewart County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities also warned that Berry might try to evade detection by walking through wooded areas in camouflage clothing.
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Authorities say he is physically fit and capable of navigating difficult terrain and waterways, and is believed to be a strong swimmer and diver.
Investigators said Berry did not have a phone or electronic communication device, limiting their ability to track him.
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Authorities also did not rule out the possibility that he may have received outside help after the shooting.
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Craig Berry is seen in an undated photo released by the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office. (Stewart County Sheriff’s Office)
The sheriff’s department said Monday that law enforcement has begun changing tactics by narrowing down some large areas of woodland while preparing for more targeted searches based on leads.
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Authorities also appealed to the public for help, urging residents to remain vigilant, lock their doors and report anything suspicious.
They asked property owners to check trail cameras for possible footage of Berry, which indicates investigators believe he may still be moving in some areas.
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“We have no information that indicates he is no longer in the area,” the sheriff’s office said in its latest update.
For now, authorities are warning residents to avoid approaching Berry and to call 911 immediately if spotted.
Fox News Digital has contacted the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office for additional details.
