A Tennessee State Trooper, identified as Adam Cothron, was shot last Friday during a traffic stop involving a white Kia Forte on Interstate 40 near the Burgess Falls exit in Putnam County. The incident, occurring around 7:47 p.m., led to the trooper being flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he is currently in stable condition.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is actively seeking information on the two black male occupants of the vehicle who fled after the shooting. The suspects abandoned the Kia on Hwy 109 near Gallatin. According to THP, Trooper Cothron, who joined in 2015 and previously served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Trousdale County Sheriff’s Office, is a respected figure known not just for his law enforcement career but also as a family man. "We ask that you please keep him and his family in your prayers", the THP requested in a statement.

An image captured by the trooper's body-worn camera has led to the identification of one of the male passengers as Braze Rucker, a 29-year-old black male. To apprehend the suspect, the THP and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) have issued warrants for Rucker's arrest on the charge of Criminal Responsibility of Facilitation of a Felony. The authorities are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that could lead to the arrest of Rucker, stated in the felony has also been placed on the TBI's Most Wanted list, which can be viewed on the THP official website.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the manhunt, with THP expressing their intention for "a non-violent resolution to the apprehension of all individuals involved in this extremely violent situation." For those with information pertinent to the whereabouts of Rucker or any of the other individuals, the THP urges them to call 1-800-TBI-Find and avoid approaching Rucker, who is considered armed and dangerous, but instead dial 911 right away. Updates are being provided on the THP and TBI social media sites.