LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and law enforcement gave an update on the search for Joseph Couch Tuesday afternoon.
Couch is the accused suspect in a shooting on I-75 that wounded five people on Sept. 7.
Kentucky State Police said authorities had searched around 28,000 acres—mostly in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Due to this, Beshear added that they have placed cameras around the forest that can detect movement and will be monitoring them.
Classes at Rockcastle and Whitley County Schools have resumed as of Tuesday, according to Beshear. The Laurel County Sheriff's Office, the London City Police and KSP even provided extra patrol as a precaution at Laurel County Schools.
According to LCSO, all schools were visited and area law enforcement officers conducted walk-throughs.
As the search continues, Kentucky officials have decided to relocate their sources to provide safety for the citizens in the community.
"We stand united in his approach, we know this is the right decision. We will not live our lives in fear, we will move forward," Beshear said.
KSP Commissioner Philip Burnett said they have received over 400 tips since the shooting and are working to find those tips credible. Burnett also said that deputies and officers will be in the area more frequently.
Officials also mentioned increasing security for schools in the area as the search for Couch continues.
"This is the best way to prioritize safety," Burnett said.
On Monday, Kentucky State Police said the search led troopers to a home in Laurel County. However, law enforcement said on social media Couch was not found there and the search would continue.
Couch is still at large and is considered to be armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his location should reach out to authorities, and make sure not to approach him. The reward for finding Couch is set at $35,000.
If you have tips regarding Couch's whereabouts, contact LCSO at 606-864-6600 or send them a personal message on their Facebook page.
