School Classes Canceled as Manhunt Enters Its Third Day

Several schools in Kentucky remain closed as authorities continue their search for a suspect linked to a mass shooting that occurred over the weekend. The search for this “person of interest” has now entered its third day.

Authorities have identified 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch as the suspect in the incident, which took place approximately around 5:30 PM local time on Saturday near the interstate highway in Laurel County. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies found five individuals with gunshot wounds at the scene, which is located near Exit 49. The shooting also resulted in damage to nine vehicles, according to Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

All five victims are currently in stable condition, though some sustained severe injuries. In fact, a few required that deputies transport them to a local hospital for treatment.

Police have described Couch as a white male, standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 154 pounds. Authorities consider him to be armed and dangerous, urging the public not to approach him.

The shooting is believed to have involved Couch allegedly firing shots into both the northbound and southbound lanes of the interstate. “We’re going to go in and we’re going to find this guy,” Acciardo remarked, showing determination to apprehend the suspect.

In addition to the ongoing investigation, the sheriff’s office has revealed that a “silver colored SUV,” resembling a Toyota, was recovered from a road near Exit 49 on Saturday night. A rifle case was discovered inside this vehicle.

On Sunday afternoon, an AR rifle was found in the vicinity of Interstate 75, close to where the SUV was located. In light of these developments, local schools have decided to close temporarily. Some institutions are also shifting to virtual learning until further notice.

The following schools have announced closures as a result of the ongoing situation, according to their official Facebook pages and reports: Barbourville Independent, Clay County, Corbin Independent, East Bernstadt Independent, EKU-Corbin, EKU-Manchester, Jackson County, Knox County, Laurel County, Lincoln County, Red Bird Christian School, Rockcastle County, Whitley County, and Williamsburg Independent.