The total reward for information that leads to the arrest of a man accused of opening fire on drivers along I-75 in Southern Kentucky this past weekend is now $35,000.
Joseph A. Couch, 32, disappeared into the woods in north Laurel County after opening fire on vehicles on the interstate, authorities say. Twelve vehicles were hit, and five people were injured in the shooting.
Local, state and federal officers have been searching for Couch with a drone, helicopters, police dogs and on foot since then. But the rugged terrain, including cliffs, sinkholes, caves and thick brush has slowed the search.
Still, Master Trooper Scottie Pennington, of the Kentucky State Police, said the search continues.
“Whether he’s dead or alive, our job is to find him,” Pennington said at a news conference Tuesday. “We’ve got to consider him armed and dangerous until we locate him.”
Couch texted his ex-wife before the shooting and said he planned “to kill a lot of people” and then kill himself, according to court documents.
Asked on Tuesday about the chances that Couch might be dead somewhere in the forest — and whether it would be easier to find him if he was — Pennington said, “Nature takes care of itself.” He added that buzzards would become a factor if Couch is dead.
Authorities have said they think Couch acted alone in his attack, but the reward for information that leads to his arrest has steadily increased over the past few days.
Of the total reward, $15,000 of the reward is from Crime Stoppers; $10,000 is being offered from the United Way of Laurel County; and another $10,000 is being offered from an anonymous donor.
Police found Couch’s car and the AR-15 they think he used in the shooting, but they’ve said they don’t know if he is hiding with more guns.
The terrain — and ensuring officers’ safety — has caused the ground search to move at a “snail’s” pace, Pennington said.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement Tuesday: “This is a scary time for many in the community, and law enforcement are working quickly while prioritizing safety.”
Couch has been charged with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault.
All victims have been listed as stable. Police identified the shooting victims on Monday as Rebecca Puryear, Renee Walker, Erick Tabin, Norma Liberia and Janet Booth.
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