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.
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting reported in Glen Burnie, Maryland, after an incident in which a suspect allegedly crashed a vehicle into a law enforcement agent.
Preliminary reports indicate that one suspect sustained a gunshot wound and was transported under a Priority B medical status.
Emergency medical services also responded to assist a law enforcement agent who reported neck pain; a second EMS unit was requested to provide additional medical evaluation and care.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting, including what prompted the vehicle collision and the use of force, have not yet been fully detailed by authorities.
Police have confirmed that the scene was secured, and standard investigative protocols for officer-involved shootings have been initiated.
No further information regarding the identities of those involved or the suspect’s condition has been released at this time.
Officials stated that additional details will be provided as the investigation continues.