Kentucky State Police and local, state and federal partners provided an update on Tuesday on the search for 32-year-old Joseph Couch, of Woodbine, the suspect accused of shooting five people on September 7 on I-75 in Laurel County.
Gov. Andy Beshear and KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said law enforcement plans to reallocate boots-on-the-ground resources out of Daniel Boone National Forest — where 28,000 acres have been searched — and into the surrounding communities while focusing on citizen safety.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office will lead the investigation of the shooting incident, while state police will continue to lead search efforts using 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,” Beshear said. “Beginning this (Tuesday) 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, Burnett detailed law enforcement’s re-appropriation of resources.
“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.”
The governor said he spoke with local school superintendents Tuesday 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,” 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 his apprehension.
“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,” Laurel County Sheriff John Root said.
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.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
