Update: Suspect Braze Rucker in custody
PRINCETON, Kentucky,—THP says Braze Rucker is now in custody.
According to a social media post from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Braze Rucker has been taken into custody.
The post states that troopers with Kentucky State Police, took Braze Rucker into custody using THP Trooper Adam Cothron’s handcuffs. Rucker was taken into custody in Princeton, KY.
The search remains for the second occupant(s) of the Kia Forte that were involved in the shooting of Trooper Cothron, who remains in critical condition.
Rucker Captured,
Courtesy of TBI
Original Story:
THP seeks information in the shooting of a Tennessee State Trooper
Press Release from Tennessee Highway Patrol
TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL SEEKS INFORMATION IN THE SHOOTING OF A TENNESSEE STATE TROOPER
COOKEVILLE — On July 19, at approximately 7:47 p.m. while on patrol in Putnam County on I-40, mile marker 285, near the Burgess Falls exit, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Trooper Adam Cothron pulled a white Kia Forte over for a traffic violation. During the interaction with the two black males within the Kia Trooper Cothron was shot. The two males then fled the scene and abandoned the Kia on Hwy 109 near Gallatin, TN. Trooper Cothron was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville where he is in stable condition.
Trooper Cothron
Before joining the THP in 2015 Trooper Cothron was a former Deputy Sheriff for the Trousdale County Sheriff’s Office. He is a certified K-9 handler and is an outstanding trooper and comes from a respected law enforcement family, but what he is best known for is being a father and a husband to his wonderful family. We ask that you please keep him and his family in your prayers.
The trooper’s body-worn camera recorded an image of a male passenger in the Kia. That person was identified as Braze Rucker, a 29-year-old black male. The THP and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) have obtained warrants for the arrest of Rucker for his Criminal Responsibility of Facilitation of a Felony in relation to the shooting of a THP Trooper Adam Cothron in Putnam County, TN.
Braze Rucker, Courtesy of THP
Braze Rucker, Courtesy of THP
The THP, TBI along with countless other law enforcement agencies across Tennessee are collaboratively working to locate Rucker and the other individual(s) of the Kia Forte. We are seeking a non-violent resolution to the apprehension of all individuals involved in this extremely violent situation. The search is ongoing, and we are limited to the information that can be released. Please continue to follow the THP and TBI social media sites for updates.
There is a reward of up to $10,000 being offered for information leading to the arrest of Braze Rucker. If anyone has any information that will help law enforcement locate these individuals, please call 1-800- TBI-Find. If you spot Rucker, do not approach him, he is considered armed and dangerous but instead, we ask that you dial 911 immediately. The TBI has also placed Rucker on T.B.I.’s Most Wanted.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.
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