Manhunt for I-75 alleged shooter Joseph Couch continues into day 5

LONDON, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Laurel County is under a state of emergency as the manhunt continues for a gunman who shot several people traveling Saturday on I-75. At least five people were shot, but officials say the victims are stable.

Police from several agencies are looking for alleged shooter Joseph Couch, who is presumed to be armed and dangerous.

The crews involved in this manhunt are heading into day five of searching the Daniel Boone National Forest for Couch. They said this is an all-hands-on-deck situation to try to find him.

“I hope he doesn’t have water,” said Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington. “I hope he doesn’t have food. And I hope he’s just worn out, and eventually, he’ll walk out of the woods.”

Crews have narrowed their search to the forest area near exit 49, where the incident happened. Pennington said the area spans thousands of acres, similar to navigating a jungle.

While investigators have looked into multiple tips with potential leads, they said there is no concrete evidence that Couch has left the woods.

“And some people say, well, what if he’s not alive anymore? Well, we’re going to stay in the woods till we find him,” said Pennington. “And, you know, that’s our job. If he’s dead or alive. It’s our job to try to find him.”

Law enforcement officials said it’s important to remain vigilant. Some school systems and businesses have chosen to close while Couch is still at large.

“They’ve chosen to do that just as a safety precaution,” said Laurel County Sheriff John Root. “You know, we can’t advise the superintendents on what action to take. That’s solely up to them. A lot of businesses, maybe, you know, they’re doing outside drive-throughs only and locking the doors, and that’s just a precaution.”

Authorities are asking community members to stay away from the search area and stop all activities there until further notice.

They are utilizing resources from multiple agencies. Boats are searching the river area, officers and canines are searching the woods on foot, and drones and helicopters are looking for Couch from above.

“They’re looking for heat sources,” said Pennington. “So, if we see a heat source and a heat source moving slowly, you know, it’s moving really, really fast. It’s probably a deer or something like that. But if it’s moving slowly, they’re going to try their best to now start tracking that heat source and getting troopers and deputies to the area where they find that heat source.”

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Pennington said the AR-15-style rifle Couch used was found, but that it’s unclear if he has another weapon in his possession.

“Right now, we know he committed a harsh, cruel act of violence and we’ve got to consider him armed and dangerous until we locate him,” Pennington said.

The reward for finding Couch is now up to $35,000 . Law enforcement officials encourage the community to continue coming forward with any tips that may help.

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