Crime
I-75 shooting in Kentucky was a ‘Planned Attack’ by suspect Joseph Couch, Laurel County sheriff’s department confirms
He was released just last month on a $1000 bond for terrorist threats.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Department has stated that yesterday’s mass shooting in northern Laurel County was a premeditated attack perpetrated by suspect Joseph Couch.
Authorities are actively searching for 32-year-old Joseph Couch, who is now considered a suspect in the mass shooting in Laurel County. A multi-agency effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement is underway.
Laurel County Schools Closed Due to Safety Concerns. As a precautionary measure, all Laurel County schools will be closed on Monday, September 9, 2024, due to ongoing safety concerns related to the recent active shooter incident.”
The priority is to apprehend Couch before nightfall. If this proves unsuccessful, the search will be temporarily suspended overnight due to safety concerns within the wooded area.
Authorities believe Couch remains in the vicinity of the shooting. An AR-style rifle and a cell phone have been recovered near Exit 49 on Interstate 75.
Local schools are in close communication with law enforcement. Laurel County has announced that all schools will be closed on Monday.
The shooting is believed to be a random act and is not connected to road rage. Nine vehicles were struck by gunfire, resulting in injuries to five individuals. No fatalities have been reported.
Limited information is currently available about Couch. Authorities have not confirmed whether he has any military background. His criminal record is relatively minor, with no prior incidents of this magnitude.
Law enforcement acknowledges the possibility that Couch may be deceased but remains focused on locating him, regardless of the outcome.
Authorities describe Couch as “committed” and continue to investigate his motive for the shooting.
Merced Police Department officers are actively investigating a shooting that occurred near Merino Park in North Merced on Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area following multiple reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the park.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers located a gunshot victim near the intersection of Morning Dove Avenue and Sunrise Drive, just east of Merino Park.
First responders rendered aid at the scene before the victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The extent of the victim’s injuries has not yet been disclosed.
A short time later, officers detained an individual in the surrounding area.
At this time, it remains unclear whether the person taken into custody is the suspected shooter or otherwise involved in the incident.
Authorities have not released any additional details regarding a motive or the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Investigators remain on scene, canvassing the area and gathering evidence.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
The Merced Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Further updates will be provided as more details become available.