Jail intake photo of Christopher Crabtree
On Thursday (January 29, 2026), deputies with the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shooting on Chiggertown Loop. After the incident, both the victim and the suspect left the scene.
The victim was transported to Erlanger in Dunlap and was later airlifted to Erlanger in Chattanooga, where they remain in the Intensive Care Unit.
The suspect, Christopher Crabtree of Palmer left the area in a 2004 black Chevrolet Silverado. A BOLO was issued for the vehicle, and assistance was provided by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the 12th Judicial Drug Task Force, Grundy EMS, Monteagle and Palmer Fire Departments.
After several hours of searching the area, deputies located Crabtree near 66th Avenue. He was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators determined that following the shooting, the suspect allegedly disposed of both the firearm and the vehicle in a wooded area. Authorities were able to locate the firearm and the vehicle and link them to the incident.
Crabtree has been charged with Attempted Homicide, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Tampering with Evidence. He is currently being held at the Grundy County Jail.
This investigation remains ongoing. The sheriff’s department reminds everyone that Crabtree is innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The name of the victim was not released.
