Crime
Victims injured in Laurel County mass shooting identified, suspect still at large
Couch, 32, faces five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of the individuals injured in the mass shooting that occurred in London on Saturday.
The victims include Rebecca Puryear, Norma Liberia, Renee Walker, Janet Booth, and Erick Tavin.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele has announced that arrest warrants have been obtained for Joseph Couch.
Couch, 32, faces five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault.
Additional charges are expected to be filed in the future.
The Kentucky State Police have taken the lead in the search for Couch, with troopers from various regions of the state being deployed to assist.
The search resumed at 8 AM on Monday morning.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office and London Police Department are also actively involved in the search efforts.
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the location and arrest of Joseph Couch, as confirmed by officials with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.
HOUSTON – A large law enforcement response was launched Monday afternoon following reports of an active shooter near the Harris County criminal justice complex in Downtown Houston.
According to authorities, the incident began shortly after 12:30 p.m. near 1115 Congress Street, in the vicinity of the Harris County Family Law Center.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots — with some accounts estimating as many as 30 rounds fired in rapid succession.
More than 40 officers from the Houston Police Department, including members of HPD Special Operations, converged on the scene.
Officials confirmed that a Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy was shot in the shoulder during the exchange.
The deputy was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect, who exchanged gunfire with officers, was also struck multiple times.
Authorities confirmed that the individual was taken into custody at the scene and is currently receiving medical care.
The identity and motive of the suspect have not yet been disclosed.
It remains unclear whether the shooting took place inside or outside the courthouse building.
A witness employed with the juvenile probation department told that they heard at least eight shots ring out near the courthouse.
Another witness, present at the courthouse for jury duty, said they were instructed to “get down on the floor and cover their heads” during the lockdown.
The area surrounding the courthouse was immediately cordoned off by law enforcement, and the public is being urged to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
Multiple agencies are working jointly to secure the scene and gather evidence.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information regarding the suspect’s condition, possible charges, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.