Categories: U.S.

Kentucky I-75 shooting suspect could still be found alive after days in the woods, US Marshal says

close Video

Active shooter reported on Kentucky I-75

Fox News national correspondent Bryan Llenas reports of an active shooting situation on Interstate 75 in Kentucky on ‘The Big Weekend Show.’

Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. Please enter a valid email address. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. Having trouble? Click here.

Local and state officials in Kentucky and federal authorities continued their search Thursday for alleged I-75 shooter and fugitive Joseph A. Couch in a densely wooded area of the southeastern portion of the state.

Couch, 32, is accused of shooting dozens of rounds toward I-75 Sept. 7 near exit 49 in Laurel County, wounding five people from a position in a wooded area on the side of the interstate.

“I’m going to kill a lot of people. Well try at least,” Couch allegedly wrote in a text message around 5 p.m. on Sept. 7. 

“I’ll kill myself afterward,” he said, according to an affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital.

SUSPECTED KENTUCKY INTERSTATE SHOOTER HAS MILITARY BACKGROUND, STILL ON LAM 48 HOURS AFTER ATTACK

Authorities are offering a reward for information leading to fugitive Joseph Couch’s arrest. (U.S. Marshal Service)

Jeremy Honaker, acting U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky, described the area where authorities have been searching for the fugitive as “extremely wooded and rural,” as it “bumps up against the [Daniel] Boone National Forest.”

“We’re just there to assist,” he said of the USMS, adding the FBI has “taken on a lot of the assistance” with searching for Couch, along with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, London Police Department and Kentucky State Police.

“It’s a joint effort to try to get a dangerous person off the street,” Honaker said.

KENTUCKY MANHUNT ENTERS 3RD DAY AS OFFICERS HACK THROUGH THICKETS WITH MACHETES: ‘LIKE A JUNGLE’

Trees stand in a wooded area alongside Interstate 75 near Livingston, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, as police search for a suspect in a shooting Saturday along the Interstate. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

The U.S. Marshal also said there is “a possibility” Couch could survive on his own in the southeastern Kentucky wilderness, noting he has a military background. Honaker was not sure about Couch’s level of expertise as far as survival in the woods. Couch served in the National Guard.

Authorities believe Couch fired between 20 and 30 rounds Sept. 7.

KENTUCKY POLICE RECOVER SUV, AR-15 IN MANHUNT FOR I-75 SHOOTER

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear met with law enforcement Thursday during the search for Joseph Couch. (Gov. Andy Beshear)

Officers recovered Couch’s Cobalt AR-15 rifle and a small, silver SUV, but Couch remains on the run.

A Center Target Firearms employee told law enforcement Couch had spent nearly $3,000 on the AR-15 and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

APALACHEE HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING VICTIM MASON SCHERMERHORN SENT LAST TEXT TO MOM FROM RESTROOM, CHAPLAIN SAYS

Joseph Couch is still on the run 48 hours after police say he opened fire near a Kentucky interstate. (WDKY/London Police Department)

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear met with law enforcement on Thursday during the search for Couch. He said four shooting victims have been released from the hospital, and the fifth is expected to survive.

Authorities have five warrants out for Couch’s arrest, one for each wounded shooting victim, charging Couch with attempted murder and assault, the sheriff’s office said. It is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to Couch.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Anyone with information about Couch’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Laurel County sheriff at 606-864-6600 or U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED-2. 

Fox News’ Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.

Audrey Conklin is a digital reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business. Email tips to audrey.conklin@fox.com or on Twitter at @audpants.

Share

Recent Posts

Trump names several new White House picks to work on AI, crypto and more: ‘America First Patriots’

President-elect Donald Trump unleashed a slew of nominations on Sunday night, naming several new people…

6 hours ago

Trump nominates Callista Gingrich as U.S. ambassador to Switzerland, announces other picks

President-elect Trump on Sunday named Callista Gingrich, wife to former Speaker of the House Newt…

6 hours ago

China warns US to stop arming Taiwan after Biden approves $571M in military aid

China has warned the U.S. that it is making "dangerous moves" by providing Taiwan with…

6 hours ago

NYPD arrests migrant who allegedly set woman on fire on subway train, watched her burn to death

close Video Tyrus 'could not be prouder' of NYC mayor after meeting with incoming 'border…

8 hours ago

Prankster arrested after reportedly filming himself spraying food at Walmart: ‘Reckless’

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for December 22 Fox News Flash top headlines…

10 hours ago

Woman dies after being set on fire while sleeping on NYC subway train: police

close Video Tyrus 'could not be prouder' of NYC mayor after meeting with incoming 'border…

10 hours ago