PUTNAM COUNTY, Tennessee — Update (7/20, 3:50 p.m.):
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(3:00 a.m.): The TBI has issued a Blue Alert across the state after a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper was shot on Interstate 40 in Putnam County Friday evening.
Authorities said they have located the white Kia at the center of the search. THP did not initially say where it was found or if they located either of the suspects as of 1:30 a.m. Saturday. The Sumner County Sheriff's Office in Middle Tennessee later said the vehicle was found in Gallatin off Old Highway 109 and said the two suspects are still at large.
THP posted an update around 3 a.m. EDT on Saturday saying it had identified one of the suspects seen in photos it had shared earlier. THP said the passenger seen in that photo was Braze Rucker. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
"If you have any information that will help law enforcement call 423-95-2130," THP said.
THP said the wounded trooper was "stable" as of 10 p.m. Friday. According to Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter, I-40 East had to be closed at mile marker 285 at the Burgess Falls exit as authorities responded.
"This is an active crime where a law enforcement officer was shot. The investigation could take some time. We appreciate everyone’s concern and pray for a positive outcome," Putnam County 911 said.
As of 10:45 p.m., the Tennessee Department of Transportation said traffic was being diverted around the investigation site at the Tennessee Avenue exit.
THP said it was searching for two suspects in the shooting who were driving a white Kia Forte heading east on I-40. At 11:30 p.m., THP released photos of one of the suspects that appeared to be taken from a body camera.
"Trooper involved shooting. We are actively searching for two black males with facial tattoos driving a white Kia Forte, possible TN temp tag Q9SC4JR. The veh was last seen east on I-40. The trooper is in stable condition. Call 911 immediately if you have any information," THP said.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett asked people to keep the trooper in their prayers.
"Our thoughts are with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the trooper injured in tonight's shooting near Cookeville. Please keep him and his family in your prayers," he said.