Two Men Convicted in Shooting of Tennessee Trooper

Jury finds Timothy Laquan Davis Jr. and Braze Roland Rucker guilty of attempted murder and other charges in 2024 traffic stop incident.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:19pm

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Two men, Timothy Laquan Davis Jr. and Braze Roland Rucker, were convicted on Friday for their roles in the 2024 shooting of Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Adam Cothron during a traffic stop in Putnam County. The jury heard testimony from over 25 witnesses and reviewed more than 80 pieces of evidence before delivering their verdict.

Why it matters

The conviction of Davis and Rucker sends a strong message that violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated. The incident raised concerns about the safety of routine traffic stops and the need for continued training and support for state troopers.

The details

According to prosecutors, on July 19, 2024, Trooper Cothron pulled over a stolen white Kia Forte on Interstate 40 in Putnam County. When Cothron approached the passenger side, Rucker rolled down the window and Davis shot the trooper. The pair then fled the scene, leaving Cothron injured on the side of the road. Rucker was arrested in Kentucky two days later, while Davis was apprehended in Nashville on July 22, 2024.

  • The incident occurred on July 19, 2024 around 7:47 p.m.
  • Rucker was arrested in Kentucky two days after the shooting.
  • Davis was arrested in Nashville on July 22, 2024.

The players

Timothy Laquan Davis Jr.

One of the two men convicted for the shooting of Trooper Cothron. He was found guilty of attempted first degree murder of a law enforcement officer, employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, theft of property over $10,000, and possession of a firearm by person previously convicted of a violent felony.

Braze Roland Rucker

The second man convicted for the shooting of Trooper Cothron. He was found guilty of attempted first degree murder of a law enforcement officer, facilitation of employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, theft of property over $10,000, and possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a violent felony.

Adam Cothron

The Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper who was shot during the traffic stop.

Bryant Dunaway

The 13th District Attorney General who prosecuted the case against Davis and Rucker.

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What they’re saying

“The conviction of Davis and Rucker sends a strong message that violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated.”

— Bryant Dunaway, 13th District Attorney General

What’s next

Davis and Rucker are scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangers that state troopers face during routine traffic stops and the importance of continued training and support to ensure their safety while serving the community.