Suspect in THP-involved shooting captured in Kentucky

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, officials said.

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.

Rucker was wanted for his connection to 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.

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 troopers arrested Rucker in Princeton, Kentucky. 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 .

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

According to TBI, efforts remain underway to identify the second individual who was in the vehicle. Anyone with information regarding the driver’s identity or whereabouts is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND .

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