THP shooting suspect arrested in Kentucky

PRINCETON, Ky. (WKRN) — One of the suspects wanted in connection with a shooting that injured a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) trooper has been captured in Kentucky, officials said.

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

Rucker was wanted for his involvement in a shooting on I-40 that left Officer Adam Cothron injured during a traffic stop in Putnam County near the Burgess Fall exit on Friday, July 19.

According to THP, Officer Cothron stopped 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 unknown driver then fled onto Highway 109 near Gallatin.

Officials warned the public about the incident shortly afterward, issuing a Blue Alert, describing Rucker as an “armed and dangerous individual.”

On Saturday, THP announced that a reward of up to $10,000 had been offered for information leading to Rucker’s arrest.

THP released a video Saturday night discussing the shooting and the search for Rucker. Col. Matt Perry said, “If Mr. Rucker sees this, I strongly encourage you to turn yourself in. Law enforcement in Tennessee and across the country is looking for you.”

Just before 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 21, authorities said KSP officers arrested Rucker in Princeton, Kentucky. Officers used Cothron’s handcuffs to take him into custody, officials said.

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

Officer Cothron was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center Friday evening and is said to be in stable condition.

THP released a video Sunday morning showing KSP and THP officers taking Rucker to the Hopkinsville Police Department.

According to TBI, efforts are still underway to identify the second person who was in the vehicle.