London, KY — A man suspected of opening fire on a Kentucky interstate, injuring five, had forewarned a woman of his deadly intentions through a chilling series of text messages, reveal authorities. The texts included threats of mass violence and a subsequent suicide, a nightmarish scenario that unfolded when Joseph Couch, 32, allegedly shot at vehicles from a concealed ledge along the interstate highway, north of London.
According to the arrest warrant, before attacking the travelers, Couch ominously texted, “I’m going to kill a lot of people. Well try at least,” later adding, “I’ll kill myself afterwards…” The recipient of these messages promptly contacted the police, who began an immediate investigation. The incidents escalated shortly after Couch legally purchased an AR-15 rifle, equipped with a sight, and a large cache of ammunition costing nearly $3,000.
Law enforcement agencies swiftly responded but have yet to apprehend Couch since the attack on Saturday afternoon. The search intensifies in a remote stretch of the Daniel Boone National Forest, with search teams employing drones, helicopters, and K-9 units, scouring the area where Couch’s deserted car and discarded weaponry were recovered.
“Our goal is to apply steady pressure,” said Kentucky State Police spokesperson Scottie Pennington during a Monday press briefing. He highlighted the arduous conditions of the search across rugged terrain, hoping to exhaust Couch’s resources and resolve.
This massive manhunt involves over 150 personnel from various federal, state, and local agencies and is complicated by the forest’s dense foliage and treacherous landscapes, filled with sinkholes and potential wildlife hazards.
The community remains vigilant as the search continues. Randall Weddle, mayor of London, conveyed a stern message to Couch on CNN: “You can run, but you can’t hide.” In tandem, law enforcement advises locals to be cautious and report any unusual activity. “If you see something, say something,” Pennington reiterated, emphasizing the need for public cooperation.
Schools within the vicinity, including districts in Laurel, Jackson, and Clay counties, have canceled classes amid growing concerns over public safety. The local sentiment is a mix of fear and vigilance, with the mayor acknowledging the public’s anxiety over this “very dangerous situation.”
Details about the victims have emerged from the investigation. They were identified as Rebecca Puryear, Norma Liberia, Renee Walker, Janet Booth, and Erick Gavin. Some of these victims faced severe injuries, but miraculously, there were no fatalities. Puryear, recounting her harrowing experience, described how a bullet passed through her vehicle, causing significant injury.
In an effort to gather more clues, investigators searched Couch’s home and are currently examining electronic devices found therein. Despite his minimal previous criminal record and the legality of his firearm purchases, the sum of actions leading to the shooting points to a planned event, adding layers of complexity to determining his motives.
Authorities remain determined, with Kentucky State Police vowing to persist with the search. There is a grim possibility that Couch might have already harmed himself, speculated some officials, yet without confirmation, the search operations persist unabated.