LONDON, Ky. — A man suspected of a highway shooting in Kentucky reportedly declared his intention to “kill a lot of people” in a text message sent shortly before five people were injured on Interstate 75. Authorities, who continue their search for the assailant, have identified the suspect as 32-year-old Joseph Couch.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Couch sent threatening messages to a woman, later identified by local media as his ex-wife, stating his intent to commit violence and subsequently take his own life. This information came to light when the woman alerted local dispatch about the disturbing texts around half an hour before the first reports of gunfire emerged.
Couch, who is accused of firing 20 to 30 rounds and striking 12 vehicles, led to injuries among five individuals. Law enforcement found a Colt AR-15 rifle and ammunition near where Couch’s vehicle was abandoned, as they scoured the vicinity.
The extensive manhunt has mobilized additional state troopers across Kentucky and focuses on a remote area north of London, characterized by dense vegetation and challenging terrain. “The conditions are rough, much like walking in a jungle,” said State Police Master Trooper Scottie Pennington, emphasizing the determination in continuing the search.
Residents of the small city some 75 miles south of Lexington remain on edge as the suspect remains at large. In response to ongoing safety concerns, local schools were closed, heightening the community’s anxiety. “Everyone’s worried,” said Donna Hess, a local parent. “It’s scary not knowing where he might be or what he might do.”
In the aftermath of the highway chaos, Rebecca Puryear, one of the victims who was with her family at the time, recounted the rapid and traumatic onset of violence. She described how the unexpected attack left her wounded, necessitating future surgery.
Meanwhile, authorities continue piecing together Couch’s background, which includes a stint in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer and his recent purchase of an AR-15 rifle used in the attack. This incident has also reignited discussions about Kentucky’s gun laws, which are among the least restrictive in the nation.
As the search extends into its third day, community members and law enforcement alike hold onto hope that Couch will be captured without further incident. “We will not rest until he is found,” declared Laurel County Sheriff John Root, signaling the relentless effort in the pursuit of justice and community safety. The concern now is not just capturing Couch but understanding the broader implications of such acts of violence in society.