LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Schools in Laurel County are taking extra precautions as a manhunt continues for interstate shooting suspect.
Laurel County Public Schools announced Sunday that their district will not hold classes on Monday.
In a statement released Sunday on Facebook, LCPS said student and staff safety is a “priority” for the district.
The community has been on edge as various law enforcement agencies try to locate and apprehend 32-year-old Joseph Couch.
Couch is believed to be responsible for shooting five people and injuring two others as they traveled down I-75 just north of Laurel County.
London, Kentucky Mayor Randall Weddle said the community is “frustrated and scared” as the whereabout of Couch are unknown.
Several churches in the area cancelled Sunday services.
So far, police have recovered Couch’s car along with a rifle case and several fully charged magazines found in the vehicle. However, they said they could not determine who the weapon was registered to.
Search crews hope to find Couch by Sunday night but said they may have to suspend efforts as dusk nears because the contained area off Exit 49 is a dense, wooded area.
They believe Couch is still in the area.
Have you seen him?
Here's what we know about the I-75 shooting suspect Joseph A. Couch.
- 32 years old.
- White male.
- Approximately 5-foot-10 and 154 pounds.
- From Woodbine, Kentucky.
- Considered armed and dangerous.
If you spot him, the sheriff's office asks you to call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to approach him.
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