NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — After a more than 24 hour manhunt, one of the suspects wanted for shooting a state trooper in Cookeville has been captured.
Officials were able to arrest Braze Rucker, but the Tennessee Blue Alert from the TBI is not over because they are still working to identify the second suspect in this case.
The THP shared video of Troopers from Kentucky and Tennessee taking Rucker into the Hopskinsville Police Department.
29-year-old Rucker was found and arrested by Kentucky State Police in Princeton, Kentucky, which is North of Hopkinsville and about two hours away from where the suspects' car was recovered by law enforcement in Gallatin, Tennessee.
THP Trooper Adam Cothron's handcuffs were used in the arrest.
Trooper Cothron was shot and injured while doing a traffic stop on I-40 East in Cookeville. Rucker was in the passenger seat of the car. The driver has still not been identified.
Law enforcement across the state and the country aided in the manhunt.
The hunt for the second suspect continues, the THP and TBI said he is a Black man with face tattoos and they are working to identify him.
As for how Trooper Cothron is doing, Colonel Matt Perry provided an update last night.
"Trooper Cothron is alert and is in good spirits today, which is exactly what we would expect from the Trooper we know and love. Please keep him, his family, loved ones, and coworkers in your thoughts and prayers during this time," said Colonel Perry.
Sunday afternoon, an update from family said the bullet is not in the spine as they originally thought, but in the right scapula area, and there is hope that his legs will fully recover.
If you know anything about the second suspect involved, call 1-800-TBI-FIND. He is expected to be armed and dangerous, so do not approach him, and call law enforcement immediately.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at (brianna.hamblin@newschannel5.com).
It’s a sad reality that area animal shelters and non-profit rescue organizations face constant overcrowding -- with so many dogs, cats and other animals waiting for a forever home. Jason Lamb reports here that Metro leaders are working with those groups – including Critter Cavalry – to find solutions. I’ve fostered a dog from Critter Cavalry, so I understand the need is great. And I found my pup Domino through another local group, Proverbs Animal Rescue. Ultimately, it starts with all of us. Getting more dogs and cats spayed or neutered can help control the pet population – and ease the burden.
-Rhori Johnston
