Crime
I-75 shooting in Kentucky was not road rage incident, suspect Joseph Couch still at large
Officials urge folks to stay home and keep their doors locked in northern Laurel County & southern Rockcastle County.
Laurel County authorities are intensifying their search for Joseph Couch, the suspect in a shooting incident on Interstate 75 that left five people injured.
Joseph Couch, the suspected shooter, had a Facebook profile that indicated he once served in the U.S. Army and worked as a 911 dispatcher.
His favorite quote was, “Only the dead can be at peace.”
Oddly, his most recent public post dates back to 2015.
According to his sister-in-law, Couch had previously made threats against family members, which she reported to the police.
The manhunt entered its second day on Sunday as law enforcement officers combed through a remote, wooded area near exit 49.
During the search, authorities discovered an AR-15 rifle and several loaded magazines in the vicinity of the shooting. Additionally, Couch’s vehicle, a silver SUV, was located off a forest service road.
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office stated during a recent briefing that the shooting was a random act, unrelated to any altercation between drivers.
Sheriff’s Deputy Gilbert Acciardo described the search as challenging due to the rugged terrain and dense vegetation. He warned that Couch should be considered armed and dangerous, as he may have additional weapons.
While authorities believe Couch is still hiding in the woods, they are not ruling out the possibility of him having moved.
Acciardo confirmed that several area churches remained closed on Sunday as a precautionary measure.
Despite numerous reports of sightings, law enforcement has yet to apprehend Couch.
The suspect, who is believed to be the sole individual involved in the shooting, is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 154 pounds.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911.
BOSSIER CITY, LA — Authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred early this morning, leaving one person deceased. The incident took place just before 5:00 a.m. at the Southern Living Mobile Home Park.
According to initial reports, witnesses in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots, followed shortly by the sound of sirens as first responders rushed to the scene.
Bossier City Police Department (BCPD) officers, along with emergency medical personnel, arrived promptly to secure the area and attend to those involved.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting, including what led to the officer discharging their weapon, remain unclear at this time.
BCPD’s Public Information Officer (PIO) has confirmed that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
As of 8:30 a.m., both Louisiana State Police and BCPD units remain on the scene, actively investigating the incident.
The scene has been secured while detectives work to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased individual, pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Bossier City Police Department or Louisiana State Police.
Updates will be provided as new details emerge.