DOVER, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT / WSMV) – Thousands of dollars in reward money are being offered for help capturing a special forces veteran accused of shooting his wife in Tennessee.
The Stewart County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has been searching for Craig Berry since the morning of Friday, May 1, after he allegedly attempted to fatally shoot his wife. He is charged with second-degree attempted murder in the shooting.
Berry is considered “armed and dangerous,” and anyone who encounters the 53-year-old is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND or SCSO at 931-232-6863.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is offering a $2,500 reward for help capturing Berry, who is now on the agency’s most wanted list. They said he is also charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, domestic assault and Leaving the Scene of an Accident.
Additionally, the U.S. Marshals Service is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the 53-year-old’s arrest. Tips can be submitted to that agency online by clicking here.
Berry is a special forces veteran
SCSO reported that Berry is a retired special forces veteran with extensive training in survival tactics.
His background gives him training that could help him elude authorities.
“He is an excellent swimmer and diver, and is in good physical shape,” the sheriff’s office said. “He is armed with at least one handgun and is believed to have taken extra ammunition.”
Last known whereabouts and appearance
Berry was last seen near River Trace Road and was tracked by K9s in that area. He’s 5’11”, weighs 185 lbs. and has brown hair and blue eyes.
Deputies believe Berry does not possess a phone or any other means of communication. A recent trail camera photo shows he was wearing some form of camouflage clothing.
“We are not ruling out the possibility that he has received some outside assistance after the incident. We have no information that he is no longer in the area,” SCSO said.
Deputies and the U.S. Marshals Service are collaborating on the manhunt.
“We will be conducting a very detailed search of the area from River Trace Road to Hwy 79 to parts of Hwy 232 this week involving multiple law enforcement agencies,” SCSO said.
What we know about the victim
Hours after the shooting occurred, the sheriff’s office reported that Berry’s wife was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Later that morning, Stewart County Schools reported it was aware “of a serious incident involving one of our staff members.”
The district said that support services have been set up for students and staff who need help.
“We understand this news may be upsetting to students, staff, and families. Please know that this incident did not occur on school grounds, and there is no ongoing threat to our schools. Our thoughts are with our staff member and her loved ones during this time. We will continue to respect her privacy,” the school system said.
