Manhunt for ‘Sniper-Like’ Mass Shooter Intensifies as Eerie Details Emerge

As the manhunt continues for the alleged gunman wanted in connection with a terrifying ‘sniper-like’ mass shooting in Kentucky, disturbing details are emerging about Joseph A. Couch.
The 32-year-old Couch was previously arrested in Knox County in February for allegedly threatening a neighbor with an AR weapon, but the charge was dismissed after the victim failed to appear in court.
The victim claimed Couch threw a rock at this dog, then “started cussing.” Couch went inside and allegedly returned with an AR weapon.
The neighbor accused Couch of threatening to kill him.
Fast forward to a few months later, Laurel County Sheriff’s Captain Richard Dalrymple said Couch allegedly fired shots about “30-feet down from the top of a cliff” near I-75.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office closed off part of I-75 on Saturday due to an active shooter situation. Five people were injured in the shooting and an additional two were injured in a subsequent vehicle accident.
Kentucky State Police announced a $5,000 reward on Monday for information leading to the arrest of Couch. They said he is “armed and dangerous” and advised the public to avoid approaching him.
Anyone with information should contact Kentucky State Police Post 11 London at 606-878-6622, Crime Stoppers at 606-682-1013, County Communication at 606-878-7000 or Laurel County Sheriff’s Office at 606-864-6600.
The suspect allegedly shot into at least 12 vehicles.
Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputy Gilbert Acciardo described the incident as “sniper-like.”
An arrest warrant for Couch obtained by NBC News charged him with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault.
Newsweek reached out to Laurel County Sheriff’s Office for more information.
Couch served in an engineering battalion in the National Guard for four years.
Officials said he purchased a weapon and 1,000 rounds of ammunition the morning before the incident.
The manhunt for Couch is entering its third day. He is described as a white male around 5-foot-10 and weighing around 154 pounds. He is a Woodbine, Kentucky resident.
Officials searched Couch’s home on Saturday.
The sheriff’s office also located a vehicle registered to Couch on a U.S. Forest Service Road near I-75 on Saturday. The next day, officials found an AR rifle near where the car was found.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the manhunt. Dogs and a drone have also been used.
Police have formed a perimeter around a wooded area where they believe Couch is located. Officials said the area is remote with only a few residences.
Seven counties, several independent schools and a community college canceled classes Monday as the search continues.
Laurel County Public Schools said their schools will be closed on Monday “out of an abundance of caution” on their website.
Somerset Community College’s Laurel Campus also announced it will close on Monday “out of an abundance of caution.”
The five victims who were shot are in stable condition and they are expected to survive.
Officials do not believe the shooting was targeted. The incident remains under investigation.
Kentucky State Police officials have taken the lead in the manhunt for Couch. Laurel County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the criminal investigation.
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