LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Where is Joseph Couch?
It’s the question law enforcement agencies in Kentucky are trying to find an answer to as they near a third day trying to locate the 32-year-old accused of randomly shooting motorists on I-75 just north of London.
All day Sunday, authorities searched the rugged, hilly and heavily wooded terrain near Exit 49, off I-75 in rural Laurel County.
As the search for Couch intensifies, Kentucky State Police will now take the lead.
According to Laurel County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Dep. Gilbert Acciardo, Couch’s vehicle was found abandoned Saturday night and authorities located an AR-15 on Sunday. Authorities believe this was the gun used to shoot five people.
Other evidence was found, leading police to believe Couch fired from a ledge on a cliff next to the interstate.
Authorities responded to the area of Exit 49 around 5:30 p.m. Saturday following reports of a person firing shots into the northbound and southbound lanes of the interstate. The Associated Press said a total of nine cars were struck and five people were wounded.
Police said the individuals shot had injuries to the face, chest and arm.
But Couch, police believe, was not inside of his vehicle during the shooting.
He was originally considered a person of interest but was later upgraded to a suspect.
On Sunday, deputies said the incident appears to be a random act of violence and may have been planned. They believe Couch may have acted alone.
In a media briefing Sunday night, Captain Richard Dalrymple with the LCSO confirmed Couch had just purchased the AR-15 legally from a shop in London, Kentucky, on Saturday. Deputies also recovered multiple rounds of ammunition, and said he purchased 1,000 rounds Saturday along with the gun.
Authorities also revealed Couch has a military background and served in the Army Reserves.
Police halted their search Sunday as nightfall set in due to the rough, unforgiving terrain. However, there will be 20 units patrolling the area through the night even though searches in the wooded area have stopped.
The search has also left the community on edge. Laurel County Public Schools canceled classes for Monday.
The bigger mystery still stands. Why did Couch randomly shoot people on the interstate?
Police didn’t have an answer and would not speculate on a possible motive.
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