Sept 9 (CNN/GNA) – Schools across a swath of central Kentucky have cancelled classes Monday and residents have been urged to remain on high alert as the deep-woods search for a man suspected of opening fire along I-75 enters its third day.
Joseph Couch, 32, has evaded capture since Saturday afternoon, when authorities say he fired an AR-15 from a cliff ledge on the side of the interstate about nine miles north of London, Kentucky, striking 12 cars and wounding five people.
Though his motive is still unknown, the attack appeared to be a “random act” of violence, Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputy Gilbert Acciardo said, according to The Associated Press.
Search efforts led by the Kentucky State Police were paused overnight and are set to resume after 8 a.m. Monday morning, Root said.
Couch could still be armed and hiding anywhere in the the vast, densely wooded area near where his AR-15, ammunition, car and possibly his phone were found, Laurel County Sheriff John Root said Sunday night. Just hours before the shooting, Couch legally purchased a firearm and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition, sheriff’s office officials said.
It is also possible Couch has killed himself somewhere in the wilderness, Laurel County Sheriff’s Office Captain Richard Dalrymple said Sunday.
Alongside helicopters, drones and K-9 teams, ground crews are scouring a mountainous search area that spans thousands of acres and is crisscrossed with ATV trails, according to the sheriff and Kentucky State Police spokesperson Scottie Pennington. In some places, they are using machetes to slice through thick brush, Pennington said.
Until Couch is found, law enforcement are warning the community to stay vigilant for any signs of him and take steps to keep their homes safe.
“You need to lock your doors. If you have security cameras, make sure you’re constantly watching them, maybe keep your porch lights on,” Pennington advised residents. “Have your cell phone and make sure your phones are charged up because you never know when you might have to contact somebody or law enforcement.”
GNA/Credit: CNN