The search for the Kentucky interstate shooting suspect is intensifying as it enters its third day. Joseph Couch is wanted by police for allegedly shooting at nine cars and injuring five people on Saturday night. Authorities have issued a warning that Couch is armed and dangerous, urging the public to remain vigilant.
The manhunt for 32-year-old Joseph Couch, a four-year veteran of the National Guard, began after he opened fire on cars along the highway near the small town of London, Kentucky. The incident occurred approximately 76 miles south of Lexington, just north of the Tennessee border. Police have now confirmed that 12 cars were shot at, resulting in five individuals being wounded.
Law enforcement officials have been conducting an extensive search in the rural area where Couch was last seen. Over 150 officers are involved in the investigation, navigating through challenging terrain described as a jungle that requires the use of machetes to clear paths.
As a precautionary measure, eight school districts in the area have closed, and residents are advised to stay indoors and remain alert. Authorities are urging the community to secure their homes, keep surveillance cameras active, and ensure that communication devices are readily available and charged.
Joseph Couch has a history of minor legal issues, including a 2015 conviction for criminal mischief and unlawful transactions with a minor. Earlier this year, he faced charges of terroristic threatening, which were later dropped due to the absence of the victim in court.
While police have located Couch's vehicle, cell phone, and a weapon believed to be his, the suspect remains at large. Additional resources are being deployed to aid in the search efforts as authorities work to apprehend him.