Gov. Beshear, Kentucky State Police Provide Update on Search for Suspect in I-75 Shooting
LONDON, KY – Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky State Police (KSP), along with local, state and federal partners, provided an update on the search for Joseph Couch, the suspect accused of shooting five people Sept. 7 on Interstate Highway 75 in Laurel County.
According to the Governor and KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr., law enforcement plans to reallocate boots-on-the-ground resources out of Daniel Boone National Forest, of which 28,000 acres have been searched, and into the community, focusing on citizen safety. The Laurel County Sheriff's Office will lead the investigation of the shooting incident, while KSP will continue to lead search efforts through aircraft as well as cameras that have been placed throughout the forest.
"In the beginning, the best way to find the suspect was in the forest. As that has become less likely over the past several days, our best plan to provide safety now is to augment law enforcement in this community to where our people are," Gov. Beshear said. "Beginning this afternoon, we will begin transitioning state and local law enforcement and agencies from a manhunt to a larger presence in the community. We stand united in this approach and our commitment to protect people of this region."
During the briefing, Commissioner Burnett provided a timeline of events from the initial shooting incident, detailing the efforts of 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," said Commissioner Burnett. "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."
The Governor said he spoke with local superintendents this morning, and the state will continue to collaborate with local school administrators. KSP is also increasing safety initiatives in the London area, which will include school bus escorts and marked cruiser patrols outside of schools.
"Rockcastle and Whitley county schools have resumed classes with additional local and state law enforcement presence, and the state is working with other districts to accomplish this same result," Gov. Beshear said. "We are going to stay in contact with them, as our goal has always been to provide safety." U.S. Marshal Jeremy Honaker said that Couch is considered a fugitive, and the federal fugitive task force will continue to provide resources to local and state agencies to aid in the apprehension of the individual.
"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.
KSP continues to encourage anyone with information on the whereabouts of Couch – described as being 5-foot-10 and weighing 154 pounds and who is considered armed and dangerous – to call any of the following law enforcement agencies. Any and all information will be investigated.
- 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.
Laurel County Crime Stoppers is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to Couch's arrest. Anonymous donors have provided additional funds for a total reward of $35,000.
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