Authorities say a 39-year-old Friendship man turned a quiet home into a crime scene Thursday when he showed up with a blow torch, forced his way inside an occupied residence and threatened to burn the place down. The intruder, identified by investigators as Terry Michael Crihfield, allegedly assaulted people inside the home, then led a female victim out to his vehicle while implying he had a gun before taking off toward neighboring Dyer County.
Deputies from Crockett and Dyer counties, working alongside the Tennessee Highway Patrol, coordinated to track the vehicle. They ultimately pulled it over and took Crihfield into custody without any additional injuries to the victims, according to details from a Crockett County Sheriff’s Office release and local television coverage. WBBJ reports that he is now facing aggravated assault and aggravated burglary charges, with the possibility of more counts to come as the investigation continues.
How deputies tracked the vehicle
In a post from the Dyer County Sheriff's Office, investigators say Jeremy Caldwell spotted Crihfield’s vehicle near Fowlkes on Highway 210. Dyer County deputies and Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers teamed up with Crockett County officers to make a quick traffic stop that ended in an arrest. The female victim was found inside the car and was unharmed.
Sheriff Troy Klyce publicly thanked Sheriff Box and his team for the fast response, crediting the TACN radio system for the clear, real-time communication that helped multiple agencies move in sync. Those coordination details were included in the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office message that was later relayed to media outlets and reported by WBBJ.
Charges and next steps
According to Crockett County investigators, Crihfield has been booked on aggravated assault and aggravated burglary charges while prosecutors review the case and consider additional counts as the probe moves forward. Law enforcement officials are asking anyone with relevant information to contact the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office or Dyer County dispatch, and to call 911 in an emergency.
