Authorities in Kentucky have adjusted their strategy in the search for an interstate highway shooter, shifting focus from the woods to communities near where the gunman opened fire. The shooter hit a dozen vehicles and wounded five people, sparking a massive 11-day search effort covering 28,000 acres.
Despite the extensive search involving hundreds of law enforcement personnel, the suspected gunman, 32-year-old Joseph Couch, remains at large. Law enforcement officials have not made progress in locating him, prompting a change in tactics.
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. stated that there is no specific evidence leading to Couch's apprehension. Governor Andy Beshear emphasized the need to enhance security in nearby communities to reassure residents and address their fears.
Following the shooting on Interstate 75, over 400 tips have been received, with most pointing to areas outside the forest where the search was concentrated. As a result, officers have been redeployed from the woods to provide increased security in local communities.
Residents have expressed relief at the heightened police presence, with one resident mentioning the anxiety caused by the shooting incident. Schools in the affected county have reopened with additional security measures in place, including enhanced patrols along bus routes and at school campuses.
Law enforcement officials have urged vigilance among residents and are utilizing cameras in the forest to monitor any potential activity by the suspect. The search operation has faced challenges due to the rugged terrain, including cliff beds, sinkholes, and dense vegetation.
The focus now is on reallocating personnel to maintain a strong law enforcement presence in the area. The objective remains to locate and apprehend Joseph Couch, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities discovered ammunition, spent shell casings, and an AR-15 rifle near Couch's abandoned vehicle shortly after the shooting. Text messages sent by Couch prior to the incident indicated a violent intent, with references to harming others and self-harm.
Law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels are collaborating in the search efforts, with a commitment to ensuring the safety of residents until the suspect is in custody.
