Beshear, Kentucky State Police provide update on search for I-75 shooting suspect

LONDON, Ky. – On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police, along with federal partners, provided an update on the search for a suspect accused in a shooting on Interstate 75.

The suspect, Joseph Couch, is accused of shooting five people along I-75 on Sept. 7.

According to the governor and KSP commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr., authorities plan to move boots-on-the-ground resources out of the Daniel Boone National Forest and into the community to focus on citizen safety.

So far, authorities say they have searched 28,000 acres of the forest.

Now, officials say the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office will be leading the shooting investigation, while KSP will lead search efforts using aircraft and cameras placed throughout the forest.

During the briefing, Burnett gave a timeline of events from the initial shooting incident, detailing law enforcement search efforts.

“This will include moving patrols onto roadways, increasing security and visibility at local schools and bus routes and increasing the presence of law enforcement at local sporting events,” Burnett said. “We feel the best way to prioritize community safety is to use technology and aircraft while transitioning the bulk of our state and local law enforcement resources out of the forest and into our communities.”

Beshear said the best plan to provide safety is to “augment law enforcement in this community to where our people are.”

According to officials, KSP is also increasing safety initiatives in the London area, which will include school bus escorts and marked cruiser patrols outside of schools.

“We will continue daily to search and bring Mr. Couch to justice so that the people of Laurel County, and surrounding counties, will feel safe again,” said Laurel County sheriff John Root.

Couch is described as 5 foot 10 inches and 154 pounds. Authorities say he is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

If you have any information on his location, contact the following agencies:

• KSP Post 11 London: 606-878-6622.
• Crime Stoppers: 606-682-1013.
• County Communication: 606-878-7000.
• Laurel County Sheriff’s Office: 606-864-6600.
• The suspect should not be approached.

A total reward of $35,000 is being offered for information leading to Couch’s arrest. This includes $15,000 offered by Laurel County Crime Stoppers and additional funds from anonymous donors.