Authorities are still searching for Joseph Couch, 32, who allegedly opened fire near Interstate 75 in Kentucky, striking 12 vehicles and injuring multiple people. He has military experience and is considered armed and dangerous.
On Saturday evening, a man identified as 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch allegedly opened fire near exit 49 of Interstate 75 in Kentucky, discharging approximately 20 to 30 rounds. The gunfire struck 12 vehicles, injuring several individuals. As of Monday afternoon, Couch remains at large, evading authorities from multiple federal, local, and state agencies.
An affidavit filed by the Laurel County Sheriff's Office reveals that dispatch received a call from a woman claiming to have received messages from Couch threatening to kill multiple people. According to the affidavit, Couch also stated that he intended to take his own life afterward. The woman has been identified as Couch's ex-wife.
Kentucky Active Shooter Joseph Couch Remains at Large Amidst Massive Manhunt
Kentucky State Trooper Scottie Pennington described the ongoing manhunt as a "methodical effort similar to hide and seek." The goal is to apply steady pressure and gradually exhaust Couch, who is believed to be without food or water.
Pennington emphasized Couch's military experience, having served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a combat engineer. The U.S. Army confirmed Couch's service from March 2013 to January 2019, where he held the rank of private without any deployments.
Kentucky Active Shooter Joseph Couch Remains at Large Amidst Massive Manhunt
The search for Couch has involved a significant number of law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, ATF, London City Police, and the Laurel County Sheriff's Department. Authorities have combed the rugged, hilly area near London, a city of around 8,000 people approximately 75 miles south of Lexington.
On Sunday, authorities recovered a vehicle and an AR-15 rifle belonging to Couch. The affidavit indicates that he faces five counts each of criminal attempt to commit murder and first-degree assault. The Laurel County Sheriff's Office has offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to Couch's arrest.
Kentucky Active Shooter Joseph Couch Remains at Large Amidst Massive Manhunt
More than a dozen school districts across southeastern Kentucky have been closed due to the ongoing search for Couch. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or observations to law enforcement.
Couch was last known to reside in Woodbine, a small community located approximately 20 miles south of the shooting scene. Authorities believe he purchased the weapon and ammunition used in the shooting on Saturday morning in London.
Kentucky Active Shooter Joseph Couch Remains at Large Amidst Massive Manhunt
The ongoing manhunt has entered its third day, and authorities remain determined to apprehend Couch and prevent any further harm to the community.
