As the search continues for the suspected gunman who opened fire on motorists traveling Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky State Police say every available resource is being utilized.
“I am proud of the work of all the law enforcement agencies and what they're doing. They're bringing the most modern technology, every technique that is possible, to search some of the most rugged terrain that anyone could hide in,” Beshear said during a press briefing Thursday. “You look at all the different agencies that are represented, the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, the London City Police Department, the Kentucky State Police, the FBI, ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service. We even brought in the National Guard because of what the Blackhawks could do in helping us to search some very dense areas.”
The accused shooter is 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch. Investigators say he used an AR-15 rifle on Saturday, Sept. 7, to shoot at vehicles in both the north- and southbound lanes of I-75. Five people were wounded, and all are expected to survive.
Over the past week, the search for Couch has intensified into the densely wooded Daniel Boone National Forest. Schools throughout the region have canceled events and classes. Search crews are deploying helicopters with nighttime thermal imaging, moving patrols, ATVs and canines.
“We're using every single possible entity that we can to bring this to a successful conclusion for his capture,” Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett said.
Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association (KSA) Executive Director Jerry Wagner has been in daily contact with Laurel County Sheriff John Root. Sheriffs have been meeting this week at the KSA annual conference in Warren County and Wagner said all are ready to lend their support in the search effort.
“I think the situation has not only taken its toll on the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, but also taken its toll on sheriff's offices throughout the state,” Wagner said. “People have strong reactions when they feel the safety of their family, and, more importantly, the safety or their children is involved. We understand it. But I would ask people, please not to overreact, but just pass on your information to the correct people and allow law enforcement to do what we do.”
Anyone with information about Couch’s whereabouts is encouraged not to approach him and to contact authorities. Gov. Beshear added that donating blood is a way to lend support by ensuring Kentucky’s blood supply is ready for critical incidents.
