Authorities in Kentucky are continuing to search for Joseph Couch, a man accused of opening fire on vehicles along Interstate 75 and injuring five people. The shooting spree took place on September 7, leading to a massive manhunt in the Daniel Boone National Forest. As the search entered its 11th day, law enforcement officials shifted their focus from the forest to surrounding residential areas, increasing their presence in nearby communities and scaling back on ground searches in the forest.
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. stated that police have received over 400 tips related to the case, with a majority pointing outside of the forest. State and local law enforcement will ramp up patrols on roadways, increase security at schools and events, and enhance public safety measures in the affected communities. Authorities found Couch’s car the night of the shooting and later discovered an AR-15 and loaded magazines in a wooded area nearby.
Couch, who has been charged with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault, is considered a fugitive by the U.S. Marshals Service. Officials are offering a $35,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Governor Andy Beshear emphasized the importance of community safety and reassurance, urging residents to resume their day-to-day lives with increased law enforcement presence. The goal is to support residents and help them transition back to normalcy despite the fear caused by the shooting.
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