Manhunt underway for special forces veteran with extensive survival training accused of shooting his wife
Investigators are searching a heavily wooded area in Tennessee for an armed special forces veteran suspected of trying to kill his wife, authorities said.
Craig Berry has been on the run since Friday after shooting his wife in Dover, in the northwestern tip of Tennessee, near the Kentucky border, according to the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office, the lead investigative agency in the case.
“Prior to deputies arriving, the suspect fled into the woods near the residence,” the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office said it was working with the U.S. Marshals Service. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation also assisted in the search, a spokesperson told CNN.
The sheriff’s office said an arrest warrant was issued charging Berry with attempted second-degree murder. His wife has been released from the hospital, the sheriff told CNN on Tuesday.
The elusive manhunt is particularly challenging given the suspect’s outdoor skills. “Berry is a retired special forces veteran and has extensive training in survival tactics.” The sheriff’s office released Monday on Facebook.
“He is an excellent swimmer and diver and is in good physical condition. He carries at least one handgun and is believed to have additional ammunition.”
Search teams are also having difficulties due to the rugged terrain. About 30 miles from Dover is Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. taken into account “One of the largest contiguous blocks of undeveloped forest in the eastern United States.”
Investigators said a trail camera captured footage of Berry believed to be wearing camouflage clothing.
This image appears to show Craig Berry, who is accused of shooting his wife before fleeing into the woods. -Stewart County Sheriff’s Office
“We do not rule out the possibility that he had outside assistance after the incident,” the sheriff’s office said. “We have no information that he is no longer in the area.”
Stewart County Middle School was under a “soft lockdown” early Monday, meaning all students and staff remained indoors while instruction continued and “no outdoor activities are permitted while the situation is assessed.” Stewart County Schools Posted on Facebook.
Mike Craig, the district’s superintendent of schools, told CNN on Tuesday that “there is no direct threat to any schools.” It happened at least five blocks away from the middle school, law enforcement said.
“We did not notify any parents in advance because we did not want to impact their operations and there was no direct threat to the school,” Craig said.
The manhunt evoked memories of another search for a suspect that roamed Stewart County for days.
In 2018, murder suspect Kirby Wallace evaded authorities for a week. CNN affiliate WTVC reported. He was eventually caught and later confessed his crime murder, attempted murder, theft, robbery, kidnapping and arson.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNN’s Sharif Paget contributed to this report.
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