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.
Crime
18-year-old Timothy Haynes killed in North Charleston shooting
His mother was found performing CPR on him, and officers detected a faint pulse.
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred late Sunday night in North Charleston.
Timothy Haynes, 18, was pronounced dead at approximately 11:54 p.m. at the scene of the incident on Wales Court, according to Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal.
The cause of death has been confirmed as a gunshot wound.
North Charleston Police responded to a call reporting gunfire and an unresponsive individual in the 4200 block of Wales Court. Upon arrival, officers discovered Haynes lying on the ground.
His mother was found performing CPR on him, and officers detected a faint pulse.
They continued life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, but Haynes succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Authorities canvassed the area, seeking video surveillance and witnesses to gather further information.
The North Charleston Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the North Charleston Police Tip Line at 843-607-2076.
This is an ongoing investigation, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.