London, Kentucky (USA) – Schools in several Kentucky counties remained closed as the manhunt for a suspected shooter, Joseph A. Couch, 32, extended into its third day. Couch is accused of opening fire on vehicles along Interstate 75 on Saturday evening, injuring five people in a seemingly random attack.
The Incident and Initial Response
The shooting occurred around 5:30 PM local time near Exit 49 on I-75, about nine miles north of London, a small city in southeastern Kentucky. Police believe Couch, using an AR-15 rifle from a ledge on a cliff overlooking the highway, fired on passing cars. The number of vehicles struck by bullets was initially reported as nine, later revised to twelve. The gunfire left five people wounded, some with “very serious” injuries, including a victim shot in the face. All are expected to survive.
The suspect fled into a dense, rugged area surrounding the highway. The Laurel County Sheriff's Office confirmed the recovery of a silver Honda SUV and an AR-15 rifle believed to have been used in the attack. A phone, thought to belong to Couch, was also found with its battery removed.
The Search Intensifies
The search has become an intense, effort involving drones, helicopters, K9 units, and over 150 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. Authorities are combing the remote, wooded areas around the Daniel Boone National Forest, a vast and rugged expanse filled with cliffs, caves, and sinkholes, making the search particularly challenging.
"Our goal is to apply steady pressure and wear Mr. Couch down the longer he is in the woods", said Kentucky State Police spokesperson Scottie Pennington. "We hope he has no water and nothing to eat".
Officers are using machetes to cut through thick brush in a search area described by Pennington as "like walking through a jungle". The search continued through Monday night, with officers stationed at strategic points to prevent Couch from escaping the perimeter.
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Precautionary Measures and Community Impact
Due to the ongoing threat, authorities advised local residents to remain vigilant. "You need to lock your doors", Pennington urged. "If you have security cameras, make sure you’re constantly watching them. Maybe keep your porch lights on". Several school districts, including those in Laurel, Jackson, and Clay counties, canceled classes on Monday and Tuesday.
“This is a very dangerous situation”, said Randall Weddle, the mayor of London, Kentucky. "Everybody is scared".
Law enforcement emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to report anything suspicious. "If you see something, say something". Pennington stressed.
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Unraveling the Suspect's Motive
Joseph Couch, a native of Kentucky and former Army Reserve combat engineer, is not believed to have had a specific target. Authorities describe the incident as a "random act of violence". However, a disturbing detail emerged when a woman reported that Couch had sent her a text message before the shooting, stating his intention to "kill a lot of people".
“I’m going to kill a lot of people. Well, try at least”, the message read. The woman called 911 immediately, but by the time authorities were alerted, the attack had already begun.
Couch legally purchased the AR-15 rifle and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition on the day of the shooting, spending nearly $3,000. Although his background includes a brief military service, Couch was not on the radar of local law enforcement before the shooting. His criminal record is minimal, with a charge of terroristic threatening that was dismissed earlier this year.
Community Tensions and Hope for Resolution
The shooting has left the community of London, a city of about 8,000 residents, on edge. Local businesses and churches have either closed or modified their schedules, with people wary of venturing out. Despite the fear, authorities remain hopeful that the suspect will soon be apprehended. A $15,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest.
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“This is a serious issue; this guy is extremely dangerous”, Weddle emphasized. “We’re not going to quit until we do lay hands on him”.
As the search continues, the authorities are preparing for every possibility, including the chance that Couch might still be armed or has already taken his own life. "We hope we've got him contained", Pennington said, "but he may be outside the search area".
For now, the central Kentucky community remains on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to this harrowing incident.
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