Kentucky Searchers Scour Rugged Terrain for Suspect After Shootings Wound 5

In a troubling incident in southeastern Kentucky, authorities are actively searching for a man linked to a shooting spree that left five people injured and damaged nine vehicles on a busy interstate. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch, is believed to have opened fire on Interstate 75 on Saturday evening.

Law enforcement found Couch’s abandoned SUV on a service road adjacent to the interstate. In proximity to the vehicle, they discovered a semi-automatic weapon that they suspect was used during the shooting. Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, a spokesperson for the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed this connection and noted that the ongoing search is focused on a remote area just north of London, a small city about 75 miles south of Lexington.

“We’re determined to locate him before nightfall,” Acciardo told reporters, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Couch, who previously faced a misdemeanor charge for terroristic threatening, was initially regarded as a person of interest; however, his status was elevated to that of a suspect on Sunday. Authorities consider him armed and dangerous.

After numerous calls from the public assisting in the investigation, it’s been determined that only one individual was responsible for the shooting, which is believed to have been a random act of violence. Acciardo refrained from speculating about Couch’s motive but clarified that the shooter was not in any vehicle when the incident occurred.

Reports began flooding in around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday when multiple gunshots were heard near exit 49 of the interstate. An individual, positioned off the exit, reportedly fired several rounds into both northbound and southbound lanes. Acciardo described the chaotic scene that greeted the first responders, saying, “When our first two units arrived, it was absolute chaos: people were on the roadside, hazard lights flashing, bullet holes in cars, windows shattered.”

The injured individuals, including one local and several from out of state, were admitted to hospitals in stable condition. However, some sustained severe injuries, with one person reported to have been shot in the face.

As the search intensified, anxiety rippled through the community. Authorities utilized drones, helicopters, and ground teams to scour the dense, wooded terrain near the highway. Acciardo noted that they had received an overwhelming number of reports—over a hundred—from residents claiming to have spotted Couch.

Local officials urged the public to remain indoors during the search to ensure safety. Rodney Goodlett, a pastor from Faith Assembly of God in London, mentioned that some of his congregation members were too fearful to attend services. Several local churches opted to cancel their gatherings that day.

Goodlett reflected on the situation, expressing concern and sadness over the violent incident. “This is tragic, obviously, that someone would feel the need to commit such random acts of violence. It serves as a wake-up call,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, community members like Cody Shepherd recounted the night of the shooting, describing a scene filled with police activity, including sirens and search helicopters. They kept a close watch on updates as the events unfolded and the search for Couch continued.

As law enforcement released images of Couch to heighten awareness, they cautioned residents to remain vigilant but also warned that it had not yet been confirmed that Couch was the individual who fired the weapon. “Our special response team is fully deployed, and we’re focusing stringent efforts to locate the shooter,” Acciardo stated.

Joseph Couch has had previous legal troubles, including a dismissed charge of misdemeanor terroristic threatening earlier this year when a victim failed to appear in court. He has also faced convictions related to criminal mischief, unlawful transactions with a minor, traffic violations, and public intoxication.

Acciardo expressed concern for the safety of the responders involved in the search due to the treacherous terrain, stating, “There are many wooded areas, rock cuts, and potential hiding spots.” He concluded with hopes for a peaceful resolution to this alarming situation.

Source: Associated Press