News

Actions

THP searching for two men after shooting involving trooper in Cookeville

Suspects on the run after shooting involving THP trooper in Cookeville
Police shooting in Cookeville
Posted
and last updated

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Two men are still on the run Saturday night after opening fire on a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper during a traffic stop.

Braze Rucker is identified as one of the two suspects. He's now on the TBI's most wanted list.

The shooting happened in Putnam County on Friday, injuring THP trooper Adam Cothron, who remains in the hospital.

His THP family says he's been a loyal trooper since 2015, comes from a respected law enforcement family, and is a loving father and husband.

"Trooper Cothran is alert and is in good spirits today which is exactly what we would expect from a Trooper we know and love. Please keep him, his family, loved ones and coworkers in your thoughts and prayers during this time," said THP Colonel Matt Perry.

Rucker was the passenger in a white Kia Forte used to escape the scene overnight. The Kia has been found, but officials are still looking for Rucker and another suspect.

If you see Rucker, THP says don't approach him, he could be armed; just call 911.

If you know any information that leads to his arrest, call 1-800- TBI-Find. There is a potential $10,000 reward.

You can also donate to Trooper Cothron's medical expenses at any Citizens bank location.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email the newsroom at newsroom@newschannel5.com.

Carrie: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/2e/72/be0f23854c54a228c9d6138c9847/carrie-recommends-header.png

Rhori: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/5b/25/a224d13d47739165c92b94e643db/rhori-recommends-header.png

Eugene: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/7b/09/9eaf788d46f580c4234978610d60/screenshot-2026-04-29-at-12-11-52-pm.png

Lelan: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/af/54/833bf879454097a398bd44f723de/lelan-recommends.png

Nikki-Dee: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/e1/b4/685a931d4182b82d9322d496fa15/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-01-18-pm.png

Henry: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/f7/31/2e3894bf45d9a1668f1ccc56b9f6/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-01-00-pm.png

Katie: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/77/55/afe9375249a4b9e058e4b2c3d2ea/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-00-46-pm.png

Brittany: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/67/90/788e5c364f00baabf9c5edae87e2/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-00-06-pm.png

Jennifer: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/e4/1e/9771c0824888a0fd87b2a1030979/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-12-02-19-pm.png

The skies were closed on 9/11. A Nashville phone call helped save a baby’s life

September 11, 2001 is a day most associate with terror and tragedy. Austin Pollack shares a story from that day about hope and persistence: the effort to save a little girl’s life – with an organ donation. The problem? The young patient was in Houston, and her life-saving liver here in Nashville. With the grounding of all civilian aircraft, how could it be done? “Nobody ever said this isn’t possible.”

- Rhori Johnston