Man Accused of Shooting, Injuring People on I-75

A man is suspected of opening fire on Interstate-75 in Kentucky, causing chaos that quickly turned into a massive manhunt.

At a Glance

Joseph Couch, 32, is suspected of shooting and wounding five people on Interstate 75 in Kentucky.
Couch allegedly sent a threatening text message to his ex-wife before the shooting.
The manhunt for Couch is concentrated in a rugged, densely wooded area near London, Kentucky.
A $15,000 reward was initially offered for information leading to Couch’s arrest, but the reward has increased as the search has continued.
The search involves extensive resources, including helicopters, drones, and K-9 units.

Suspected Shooter on I-75

Joseph Couch, 32, is suspected of opening fire on Interstate-75 in Kentucky and injuring five people. The shooting allegedly occurred Saturday evening near Exit 49, north of London, Kentucky, striking nine cars. The victims, identified as Janet Booth, Norma Liberia, Rebecca Puryear, Erick Tabin, and Renee Walker, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Several of the victims were treated at the University of Kentucky Hospital, with one already discharged and two in good condition.

The incident prompted an immediate manhunt for Couch, a former Army Reserve combat engineer who served from 2013 to 2019. According to authorities, Couch had recently purchased an AR-15 rifle and 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Less than 30 minutes before the shooting, Couch allegedly sent a text message to his ex-wife vowing to “kill a lot of people” and then take his own life.

Kentucky authorities have intensified the search for a man accused of opening fire on Interstate 75 north of the city of London, naming him as an official suspect Sunday in a shooting that injured five people from gunshots. https://t.co/np57a3uqjE

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 9, 2024

Manhunt and Tactical Response

Law enforcement has concentrated the search for Couch in a rugged, densely wooded area near London, Kentucky. The terrain is challenging, featuring cliffs, sinkholes, and caves, which complicates the search efforts. Kentucky State Police are using helicopters, drones, and K-9 units, and have paused the search during nighttime for officer safety but resumed at dawn each day.

“We’re not going to quit until we do lay hands on him,” Laurel County Sheriff John Root said.

Authorities tracked Couch’s cellphone location at 6:53 p.m., nearly 90 minutes after the first report of the shooting. His silver Toyota SUV was found along with a green Army-style duffel bag, ammunition, spent shell casings, and a Colt AR-15 rifle. As part of the ongoing manhunt, authorities have brought in troopers from across the state and continue to utilize various resources, including drones.

Community Impact and Precautions

The community remains on high alert as the search for Couch continues, with county officials declaring a state of emergency. Schools in the area either closed their doors temporarily or transitioned to virtual classes as a precautionary measure. Schools such as Annville Christian Academy and Barbourville Independent Schools canceled classes on Monday while staying in close contact with Kentucky State Police for updates.

A $15,000 reward was offered for information leading to Couch’s arrest, but the total has increased to $35,000 now that the search has been ongoing for more than five days. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Despite the dense and challenging terrain, law enforcement officials are steadfast in their resolve to capture Couch.