A large-scale manhunt remains active in rural Tennessee for Craig Berry, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces veteran described as armed, highly trained, and extremely dangerous following a domestic shooting incident that left his wife hospitalised. Authorities have warned residents in Stewart County and surrounding areas to remain vigilant, lock their doors, and avoid any contact with the suspect.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, when deputies from the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting at Berry’s residence near Old Paris Highway in Dover. By the time officers arrived, Berry had already fled into the heavily wooded terrain surrounding the property. His wife, a teacher at Stewart County Schools whose name has not been publicly released, managed to escape the home despite being shot. She drove herself away from the scene and was transported to a hospital, where she was reported to be recovering as of Monday evening. Her current condition remains unclear.
Berry, a survivalist with extensive military training, is wanted on charges of second-degree attempted murder. Sheriff’s officials have emphasised that he should not be approached under any circumstances. He is believed to be armed with at least one handgun and extra ammunition. A trail camera image captured him wearing camouflage clothing, and K-9 units last tracked him in the area of River Trace Road.
Deputies have highlighted Berry’s formidable background as a significant challenge to the ongoing search. As a retired Special Forces veteran, he possesses advanced survival skills, including expertise in navigation, foraging, and evasion tactics. Authorities noted that he is an excellent swimmer and diver and maintains excellent physical condition. These attributes make him particularly adept at eluding capture in the remote, densely forested regions of Stewart County near the Tennessee-Kentucky border.
The multi-agency manhunt involves the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, and other federal partners. Searches have continued day and night, though officials scaled back some ground efforts over the weekend while maintaining targeted operations. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that Berry may have received assistance from others, though they believe he currently lacks phone or electronic communication devices.
According to preliminary reports, the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute. Details emerging from the scene include multiple shell casings recovered outside the residence. Berry allegedly pursued his wife after the shooting, crashing his truck before disappearing into the woods on foot.
Local residents have been urged to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 911. Law enforcement has expressed concern about Berry’s potential to remain hidden for an extended period given his training and familiarity with the local terrain. The area features dense forests, waterways, and rural roads that provide numerous concealment opportunities for someone with his skill set.
This case has drawn attention to the challenges of apprehending individuals with advanced military survival expertise in wooded environments. Similar past manhunts for trained fugitives have sometimes lasted weeks or longer, requiring sustained coordination across agencies and the use of specialised tracking technology.
As the search enters its fifth day, authorities continue to appeal for any information that could lead to Berry’s location. The Stewart County Sheriff’s Office has stressed that public safety remains the priority, advising residents in the affected areas to stay alert and avoid isolated outdoor activities until the suspect is apprehended.
The victim’s status as a local teacher has added a personal dimension to the community’s concern. Colleagues and neighbours have expressed shock and support for her recovery while hoping for a swift and safe resolution to the manhunt.
Craig Berry’s military service record, while not fully detailed publicly, underscores the irony of a veteran trained to protect now being the subject of an intensive fugitive search. Officials have refrained from speculating on motives beyond the domestic nature of the initial call.
The ongoing operation serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties law enforcement faces when pursuing suspects with exceptional survival capabilities in challenging rural landscapes. With Berry still unaccounted for, tension remains high across Stewart County and neighbouring regions.
Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact authorities without attempting to engage the suspect. The manhunt continues, with updates expected as new leads emerge in what has become a complex and high-stakes search for a dangerous fugitive.
