Authorities in rural southeastern Kentucky are actively searching for a man believed to be linked to a series of shootings that occurred on Saturday along Interstate 75. The incident involved the shooting of nine vehicles and the wounding of five individuals, prompting a large-scale manhunt in the area.
The individual in question, identified as a 32-year-old white male named Joseph A. Couch, is considered a 'person of interest' in the case. Law enforcement officials have warned the public that Couch is armed and dangerous, advising against approaching him if spotted.
The shootings took place near exit 49 on the highway, with multiple rounds fired into both northbound and southbound lanes. The chaotic scene left nine vehicles damaged and five people injured, some with severe wounds including a gunshot to the face.
Residents in the area have been urged to remain vigilant as authorities conduct a thorough search in a remote wooded area near the highway. The community is on edge following the incident, with concerns about safety and the ongoing manhunt.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized that there appears to be only one shooter involved and have ruled out road rage as a motive for the shootings. While a photo of Couch has been released to aid in the search, authorities have not definitively linked him to the crime.
Local officials, including the mayor and state lawmakers, have reassured the public of ongoing efforts to locate the suspect and ensure community safety. The situation remains fluid, with multiple agencies collaborating on the investigation.
As the search continues, residents are advised to report any suspicious activity and to avoid taking matters into their own hands. The community is coming together in prayer for the wounded, first responders, and all those affected by the tragic events.
