1 suspect in THP-involved shooting captured in KY; Reward for info about shooter raised to $20K

PRINCETON, Ky. (WKRN) — One of the suspects wanted for his connection to a shooting that left a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) trooper injured has been captured in Kentucky, but now the reward for information that leads to the shooter’s arrest has been increased.

On Sunday, July 21, THP announced that 29-year-old Braze Rucker — who was added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) Most Wanted list — had been captured by Kentucky State Police (KSP) in Princeton, Kentucky.

On Monday, the THP posted on social media that Rucker was extradited to Tennessee and transported to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office jail.

Officials said they had obtained warrants against Rucker for criminal responsibility of facilitation of a felony in connection with a shooting on I-40 that left Trooper Adam Cothron injured during a traffic stop in Putnam County near the Burgess Fall exit on Friday, July 19.

According to THP, Cothron pulled over a white Kia Forte for a traffic violation and was shot during the interaction. Rucker, who was identified as a passenger in the vehicle, and the unidentified driver then fled on Highway 109 near Gallatin. The car was later found abandoned in Sumner County.

Officials alerted the public to the incident shortly after, issuing a Blue Alert and describing Rucker as an “armed and dangerous individual.”

On Saturday, July 20, THP announced that there was reward of up to $10,000 being offered for any information that could lead to Rucker’s arrest.

THP released a video Saturday night to discuss the shooting and the search for Rucker, during which time Col. Matt Perry said, “Should Mr. Rucker see this, I strongly encourage you to turn yourself in. Law enforcement across Tennessee and the country are looking for you.”

Just before 3:30 a.m., on Sunday, authorities reported KSP arrested Rucker in Princeton. Troopers used Cothron’s handcuffs to place him into custody, officials said.

“The search for Braze Rucker is over. Today, troopers with Kentucky State Police used THP Trooper Adam Cothron’s handcuffs to take Rucker into custody in Princeton KY. Thankful to KSP, TBI, and all law enforcement agencies in Tennessee and to the citizens of Tennessee for your support,” said THP.

Cothron was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center Friday night and is reported to be in critical, but stable condition.

On Sunday afternoon, Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter shared an update from Cothron’s wife on his condition:

Adam is doing much better than when we arrived! He’s such a trooper through and through. He’s getting some muscle response movements in his legs now and his arms are improving as well. The bullet will remain where it’s at unless his body starts to try getting rid it of on its own. The doctors tell us that it should not cause any problems to leave it.

The good news: the bullet is not lodged in his spinal column like originally thought. It’s actually in his right scapula area. It almost exited. This gives us hope that recovery of mobility in his legs will be better.

We know this is all in the hands of our almighty and wonderful God we serve. We appreciate each and every phone call, text, donation, visit, and prayer that has been lifted up on behalf of Adam. I believe in the power of prayer, please keep them coming.

Cothron is a member of the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region 13, which announced Sunday it is taking donations to help Cothron’s family with expenses. If you would like to donate, you are asked to contact Brandon Janco at 615-788-2732 or by email at bjanco@hvillepd.org . You can also donate by Venmo here .

You can also make out a check to Gena or Adam Cothron and mail it to USPCA Region 13, ATTN: Trooper Cothron, P.O. Box 1274, Hendersonville, TN 37075.

If you are in the Middle Tennessee area, you can drop the check off at numerous police stations:

• Hendersonville PD, ATTN: Brandon Janco
• Lebanon PD, ATTN: Gray Parrish/Cody Bryan
• Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, ATTN: Brain Gambino
• Brentwood PD, ATTN: Trey Frasch

Additionally, Citizens Bank has set up an account to assist Cothron and his family. Citizens Bank has 21 locations across Middle Tennessee and you can find the one closest to you here .

THP released a video Sunday morning, which showed KSP and THP troopers taking Rucker to the Hopkinsville Police Department.

Meanwhile, according to authorities, efforts to identify the driver of the vehicle involved in Friday’s shooting are still ongoing.

Just before 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, THP announced the reward for info leading to the arrest of Cothron’s shooter is now $20,000 .

Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the other suspect(s) is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND .

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