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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.