Authorities in southeastern Kentucky are intensifying their search for Joseph A. Couch, 32, suspected of shooting at 12 vehicles and wounding five individuals on Interstate 75, told News-Press Now. The incident, which took place on Saturday, has left local residents on edge as law enforcement officers comb through a heavily wooded area north of London, Kentucky.
Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, spokesperson for the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, expressed the urgency of the search, stating, “Where is he? That’s the big question right now.” Acciardo confirmed that Couch’s abandoned SUV was discovered on a service road near the crime scene, along with a semi-automatic weapon believed to have been used in the shooting. However, despite extensive efforts, authorities have yet to locate the suspect. “We’ve not had any luck so far, no trace so far, no information or evidence that’s at the scene to indicate that he’s there. But we believe that he’s there,” Acciardo added, told WHAS11.
The manhunt, which initially focused on a remote and sparsely populated area, was temporarily suspended after nightfall on Sunday but resumed early Monday morning. Additional state troopers were dispatched to assist in the search, according to State Police Master Trooper Scottie Pennington.
Couch, who most recently resided in Woodbine, Kentucky, was named a suspect after law enforcement found an AR-15 rifle and a phone believed to belong to him. Authorities say the battery had been removed from the phone. Couch, who has a military background and served in the National Guard, is considered armed and dangerous. He reportedly purchased the weapon and approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition on the morning of the shooting.
The attack, which involved firing 20 to 30 rounds into both northbound and southbound lanes of the interstate, appeared to be a random act of violence. “This is tragic, obviously, that somebody would randomly do violent acts,” said Rodney Goodlett, pastor of Faith Assembly of God in London. Goodlett’s congregation gathered for a Sunday service despite the ongoing search.
Cody Shepherd, a London resident, recounted hearing sirens and seeing a helicopter overhead as the search unfolded. “We were listening to the police scanners all night,” Shepherd said, reflecting the anxiety felt by many in the area.
The five victims of the shooting, including one from Kentucky and others from out of state, were hospitalized and reported in stable condition, though some sustained serious injuries. Acciardo mentioned that one individual had been shot in the face.
As the search continues, residents remain cautious, and authorities have urged vigilance. Couch has a criminal history, including a conviction for criminal mischief in 2015 and a dismissed terroristic threatening charge earlier this year. With the dense foliage and rocky terrain making the search challenging, Acciardo acknowledged the difficulties ahead, noting, “He could be hiding behind a tree and us walk right up on him.”