KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A massive search for a man accused of shooting 12 vehicles and seriously injuring five people on I-75 in Kentucky has entered day four.
Joseph Couch, a 32-year-old from Woodbine, has been identified as a suspect. Arrest warrants show he's been charged with 5 counts of attempted murder and 5 counts of first-degree assault. It's believed he acted alone, according to authorities.
The shooting happened near exit 49 on I-75 in Laurel County. Law enforcement believes Couch is still nearby, but say the search is difficult since it involves scouring through thousands of acres in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
It was previously reported that Couch served in the National Guard, but the City of London mayor clarified that he served in the Army Reserve. Officials do say Couch suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Here's what we know:
Sept. 7
- Earlier in the day: Couch allegedly buys an AR-15 with a sight mounted on it and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
- 5:03 p.m.: Couch sends a text that he is going to "kill a lot of people." The person who received the text reached out to Laurel County dispatch to warn them about Couch, according to an affidavit.
- 5:27 p.m.: First reports of multiple people shot on I-75 near exit 49.
- 7:55 p.m.: Officers find Couch's car, gun, ammo and a phone without a battery near the crime scene.
- 8:41 p.m.: Gun store employee notifies officials that Couch purchased a gun earlier in the day.
- 9 p.m.: Authorities announce Couch as a person of interest in the shooting, and begin searching for him.
Sept. 8
- 1:30 a.m.: The person who Couch texted is interviewed by detectives. Law enforcement learned more details about Couch's text, including the fact that he stated that he was going to kill himself, according to an affidavit.
- 9:37 a.m.: Laurel County Sheriff's Office announces a ground search has resumed.
- 5 p.m.: Authorities encourage the public to continue contacting law enforcement with more information.
- 9 p.m.: The University of Kentucky Hospital announces that three of the five people shot were taken there. One was discharged and the other two are in good condition.
- Later in the evening: Multiple Kentucky schools announce that classes are canceled on Monday.
Sept. 9
- 11 a.m.: Arrest warrants charge Couch with 5 counts of attempted murder and 5 counts of first-degree assault
- Noon: Laurel County Sheriff's Office announces an anonymous person has donated $10,000 as reward money.
- 12:45 p.m.: Kentucky State Police announce an additional $5,000 reward for information leading to Couch's arrest.
Sept. 10
- Earlier in the day: According to LEX18, multiple schools close again on Tuesday:
- East Bernstadt Independent Schools
- Laurel County Public Schools
- Jackson County Public Schools
- Rockcastle County Schools
- Whitley County School District
- Clay County Public Schools
- Corbin Independent Schools
- Williamsburg City School
- 11:18 a.m.: The total reward for information leading to the arrest of Couch is at $25,000 after United Way of London donated $10,000.
- 1:52 p.m.: The total reward increased to $35,000 after another $10,000 was donated from an unnamed source.
This story is ongoing and we will update you as we learn more.