Former KSP special response leader talks of the challenges of a criminal suspect manhunt

It’s day four of the search for a man accused of a mass shooting near Interstate 75 in Laurel County. An Eastern Kentucky University associate professor says such an undertaking is extremely challenging.

Bill Sullivan spent three decades in law enforcement and headed up similar manhunt operations. Law enforcement teams are looking for 32-year-old Joseph Couch who allegedly fired into 12 vehicles, injuring five people. Sullivan said residents in the area should be vigilant, but still centered in their response.

“That doesn’t mean they should call law enforcement every time they hear something outside or every time the dog barks or something because you’re just going to overwhelm the resources. But, if they see an individual that appears to be the suspect, then obviously they should call law enforcement,” said Sullivan.

Sullivan said as time passes, the possibility of someone picking up Couch and moving to another location becomes a consideration. The former KSP officer said authorities must also consider “suicide” which could greatly extend the time in finding Couch.

Sullivan noted there is a limit on how many people should scour the area.

“The dangers of having too many people there where you would have an individual in camo etc, coming up on another individual in camo etc…so they have to be extremely well organized and have efficient and effective communications,” said Sullivan.

Sullivan said the rugged and densely covered area makes use of aerial searching difficult and he added dogs in canine units do wear down and lose a scent. He said residents in the area should remain observant of their surroundings at all times. Sullivan said the reward offering of $35, 000 will likely engage people, even those who know the suspect. The former KSP officer noted no one except law enforcement officers should participate in the search, in hopes of attaining the reward. Sullivan added that could be a disastrous situation.

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