The manhunt for Joseph Couch, the suspect in a random shooting on Kentucky’s I-75 that left five people injured, intensifies as the search enters its sixth day. Governor Andy Beshear has traveled to Laurel County to meet with law enforcement officials on the ground, showing support and receiving updates on the ongoing efforts to capture Couch.
Gov. Beshear’s visit highlights the urgency of the situation as authorities expand their search efforts. The reward for information leading to Couch’s capture has increased to $35,000, and the governor reiterated that the state is committed to finding the suspect. “This is a priority for our law enforcement. We won’t rest until Joseph Couch is in custody, and we will continue to do everything possible to ensure the safety of Kentuckians,” Beshear said in a public address.
Couch, who is considered armed and dangerous, is wanted for allegedly opening fire on vehicles traveling on I-75, a major highway that cuts through Kentucky. The shooting, which occurred over the weekend, injured five people, all of whom were rushed to nearby hospitals. In a positive update, Beshear confirmed that four of the victims have been released, while the fifth is expected to survive.
As the manhunt continues, authorities face the challenge of navigating heavily wooded terrain, which has made the search more difficult. According to Kentucky State Police, Couch is believed to be hiding in Daniel Boone National Forest, an area that is vast and difficult to search, especially after dark. “It’s like a game of hide-and-seek,” said one officer. The U.S. Forest Service has closed multiple trails in the area to the public as the manhunt progresses.
Further complicating the search, investigators have uncovered troubling details about Couch’s mental state prior to the attack. Authorities revealed that he sent a disturbing text message to a woman before the shooting, stating his intention to “kill a lot of people” and take his own life afterward. This alarming discovery has added to the urgency of the manhunt, as law enforcement races against time to prevent further violence.
Local residents remain on edge as the search stretches on, with heightened police presence and roadblocks across the region. Gov. Beshear has urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any sightings or suspicious activity that could help lead to Couch’s capture. “We ask for your patience and cooperation,” he said, emphasizing that safety is the top priority as the search continues.
The reward, now at $35,000, has drawn attention from across the state as local and national agencies collaborate to bring Couch into custody. Kentucky State Police, the FBI, and other agencies are working around the clock, with helicopters, drones, and K-9 units all being deployed in the search.
Governor Beshear’s presence today underscores the significance of this situation, and the entire state remains hopeful that Couch’s capture is imminent. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward, reminding citizens that every lead could make a difference.
