A large-scale search continued Monday for the suspect in a Kentucky interstate shooting that left five people injured and damaged multiple vehicles. According to authorities, the fugitive gunman sent a woman a text message threatening to “kill a lot of people” about 30 minutes before the rampage.
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch, was reportedly involved in a domestic dispute earlier on Saturday morning. Later that day, he legally purchased an AR-15 rifle and ammunition from a gun store before allegedly opening fire on vehicles traveling on Interstate 75 near London, Kentucky, law enforcement told media.
Couch is wanted on charges of attempted murder and first-degree assault, as per the arrest warrant.
The warrant also revealed that a 911 dispatcher received a call from a woman who claimed Couch had texted her, stating his intent to “kill a lot of people” around 5:03 p.m. on Saturday—roughly 30 minutes before the shooting began. Another message reportedly followed, where Couch indicated plans to take his own life afterward. The woman he contacted is said to be the mother of his child.
Couch allegedly purchased a Cobalt AR-15 rifle with a mounted sight and 1,000 rounds of ammunition for $2,914 at a local gun store the same morning.
The interstate shooting began at approximately 5:30 p.m. on I-75 near Exit 49, eight miles from London. According to Laurel County Sheriff’s Cmdr. Richard Dalrymple, between 20 and 30 rounds were fired at vehicles in both directions from a hillside near the exit. At least 12 vehicles were hit, and five individuals sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries, including one person shot in the face.
Initially, authorities reported that seven people had been injured. Officials later clarified that none of the victims appeared to have been specifically targeted.
On Monday, state police announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to Couch’s arrest.
Authorities discovered a silver Toyota SUV registered to Couch abandoned on a forest road near Exit 49. A Cobalt AR-15 rifle believed to have been used in the shooting, along with a green army-style duffle bag containing ammunition and magazines, was also found nearby. The duffle bag had “Couch” written on it.
Investigators believe Couch was not equipped for an extended attempt to evade law enforcement, as he left his weapon, ammunition, and vehicle behind. There’s no evidence suggesting he had a supply stash to help him disappear into the rugged terrain.
Initially named a person of interest, Couch was later upgraded to the primary suspect by Laurel County Sheriff John Root. Couch is described as 5-foot-10, weighing 154 pounds, and having an address in Woodbine, Kentucky.
According to military records, Couch served in the U.S. Army Reserve from March 2013 to January 2019, as part of the 979 Engineering Company based in Lexington.
Over 150 law enforcement officers are involved in the search, focusing on the area around Exit 49, which lies within the remote and densely wooded Daniel Boone National Forest. Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington described the terrain as “like a jungle” at a press conference on Monday, emphasizing the difficulties in the search.
Authorities hope to “wear him down” by cutting off access to food and water, Pennington added.
London Police Department Assistant Chief Bobby Day also noted that the search included a network of underground caves believed to be in the area where Couch might be hiding.
Read More: Manhunt Launched After Multiple Vehicles Targeted in Kentucky Highway Shooting
As a precaution, at least nine Kentucky school districts and a community college closed on Monday due to safety concerns. Laurel County Public Schools issued a statement Sunday night confirming the closure to prioritize student and staff safety amidst the ongoing search for Couch.
