LONDON, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., traveled to Laurel County to update the effort to find Joseph Couch, the suspect of Saturday’s Interstate 75 shooting. The governor said the search for Couch will continue, and that every effort is being made to find him.
“They haven’t found this individual, but that’s not for lack of trying. There have been so many resources that have been brought to bear,” Beshear said.
Beshear said that four of the shooting victims have been released from the hospital and that the fifth victim is expected to be released soon. He has been in regular contact with the mayor, the county judge executive and law enforcement throughout the search.
He announced the Kentucky National Guard is providing its Blackhawk helicopters to help with aerial search. Beshear thanked all the agencies who have assisted the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office since Saturday’s mass shooting.
“We’re grateful to local law enforcement, who responded so quickly, ensuring that this situation did not get worse and immediately opened an investigation that continues. We’re grateful for the cooperation, knowing that justice and safety is the end goal,” the governor said.
Col. Phillip Burnett with Kentucky State Police shared an overview of the effort to find the shooting suspect. “We’re using every single entity we can,” Burnett said. That includes conducting nighttime aircraft operations with thermal imaging, K-9 units and all-terrain vehicles to assist in the search.
Safety is a priority for the search, the governor said, noting there have been no casualties so far related to the shooting. “That’s why it’s so important that the search is done safely and professionally, because we haven’t lost anyone yet from this shooter and we want to make sure we don’t lose anyone going forward.”
Beshear added local school districts are working on plans to resume classes and other activities. KSP is working on a plan to have uniformed troopers at every football game Friday night, and Beshear emphasized the area would have the law enforcement support needed so that everyone feels safe.
The governor also made a pitch for giving blood, noting there was a national shortage and that most of the victims of the shooting probably needed blood while they received medical care.
Beshear also spoke to the recent hardships experienced in the region, noting the flooding that affected some in the area in 2022. “Know that your commonwealth is here for you,” Beshear said. “Kentuckians are coming together and doing what we do best: helping our fellow neighbors.”
Couch, 32, shot 12 vehicles and wounded five people near exit 49 on Interstate 75 on Sept. 7. He fired 20 to 30 rounds in the attack and is charged with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of assault. A $35,000 reward has been offered for information on Couch.