By Julia Hunter, New Era Staff Writer

Hopkinsville police were searching today for a suspect involved in the overnight shooting of a city man.

Joseph Lee Rager, 18, of Bryan Street, was shot in the head shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday at the 900 block of West Second Street, said Paul Ray, public information officer for the Hopkinsville Police Department.

Rager and an unknown male had gotten into a dispute regarding property, Ray said. Details of the argument were unknown.

Rager was taken to Jennie Stuart Medical Center after the shooting. He was later transferred to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., where he remained in stable condition this morning.

Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call 887-8477. People providing tips do not have to provide their name or appear in court.

Rager is the third victim of a shooting in Hopkinsville in the past week.

On Sept. 20, Robert Wilford, 38, of Younglove Street, and James Wilford, 48, of East Seventh Street, were shot as they stood in a crowd of people at Moores Court. Both were treated at Jennie Stuart Medical Center. No one has been charged in the shootings of the two men.

JULIA HUNTER can be reached at 887-3262 or by e-mail at jhunter@kentuckynewera.com.