Active Manhunt After Shooting Incident Near I-75 in Kentucky
London, Kentucky – An active shooting situation near Interstate 75 has led to a continued search for the suspect, who is still at large as of Monday afternoon. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to stay vigilant as the manhunt for 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch enters its third day.
Details of the Incident
The incident began around 6 p.m. on Saturday when Couch allegedly began firing into traffic near exit 49 of the highway. Authorities reported that he fired between 20 to 30 rounds, hitting a total of 12 vehicles in the area. Thankfully, so far, no one has been reported injured during this alarming event.
According to an affidavit from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Couch had sent alarming text messages to his ex-wife earlier that day. In these messages, he expressed intentions to harm others, stating he was “going to kill a lot of people” and that he would “kill myself afterwards.”
The Search Operation
Law enforcement officials have characterized the search for Couch as a “methodical effort similar to hide and seek.” Trooper Scottie Pennington mentioned their strategy is to apply “steady pressure” on Couch, hoping that he will eventually tire out and become easier to capture. The area surrounding London is dense with forests, containing numerous cliffs, sinkholes, and caves, which pose challenges for the officers conducting the manhunt.
Officials urge anyone in the area to be alert, advising the public to call the authorities if they notice anything unusual. They want residents to ensure their homes are secure and to avoid being alone when possible, suggesting that it is essential to have a cell phone accessible in case of emergencies.
The Suspect’s Background
Joseph Couch has prior military experience, having served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a combat engineer from March 2013 until his discharge in January 2019. While he had military training, the Army confirmed he did not have any deployments during his service.
On Sunday, authorities located a vehicle and recovered an AR-15 rifle believed to belong to Couch. It has been reported that he purchased this weapon along with approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition on Saturday morning, just hours before the shooting incident.
Authorities’ Response and Community Impact
The ongoing search has involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the ATF, and local police forces. Due to the serious nature of the situation, more than a dozen school districts in southeastern Kentucky decided to close their doors on Monday as a precautionary measure, affecting numerous students and families in the region.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office is offering a reward of $15,000 for any information leading to Couch’s arrest. As of Monday, he remains untracked, prompting law enforcement to continue their search in the wooded area surrounding I-75.
Conclusion
This troubling case has placed many in our community on edge, as the pursuit for Joseph Couch continues. Officials plea with the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious activities. With a sense of urgency hanging heavily in the air, the hope is that local law enforcement can resolve this tense situation quickly and safely.
