LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — Kentucky State Police, sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement continue to hike through the Daniel Boone National Forest in search of an alleged mass shooter. Investigators initially began their search for Joseph Couch up Forest Service Road near the 49er Diesel Center in rural Laurel County.

What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky State Police troopers and other deputies have suffered twisted ankles, cuts and blisters during the search for Joseph Couch 

  • The search for Couch began off Forest Service Road where police say they found Couch's vehicle, new intel lead to expand their search deeper into the forest 

  • Many law enforcement officers have spent days without seeing their family as they're brought in from out of the area 

  • Police have no credible information to believe Couch left Kentucky

Couch, the alleged gunman in a mass shooting on Interstate 75 on Saturday, Sept. 7, is still on the run from law enforcement. Now, over a week later, KSP says the search is taking a physical and mental toll on its troopers.

In mountainous terrain, with an added 30 pounds in bulletproof vests, ammo and rifles, it’s not your average hiking experience for KSP troopers and other peace officers searching the Daniel Boone National Forest for Couch. Trooper Scottie Pennington said Monday marked nine straight days since law enforcement from across the state has been on the manhunt for the alleged shooter.

“These deputies and troopers they’re getting twisted ankles, busted up ankles, blisters on their feet and guess what they’re coming back in, getting some water and something to eat and they’re going back out,” Pennington said.

Besides unforgiving terrain, the area is full of ticks, chiggers and other wildlife. Not to mention searchers are carrying additional weight in body armor and weapons.

“If somebody wants to feel what it feels like, put a ruck on and go out at their house and climb a hill, go on a nature walk and see what it feels like carrying 30 to 40 pounds of weight,” Pennington said.

Police have investigated thousands of tips with no credible information, leading them to believe he left the area. KSP said search efforts for Couch led to a residence in Laurel County, but he was not at that residence. It’s a search that’s not only physically demanding, but mentally.

“Every time my wife sees me go out the door, she’s like I love you and I hope you come home safe and some of these officers and deputies have not seen their families in a couple days so we try to rotate them out, let them get a fresh break, go home, shower, have a good meal, see their kids so they come back motivated to try to locate Mr. Couch,” Pennington said.

KSP initially established a command post at the 49er Diesel Center. Pennington said they’ve since moved their search deeper into the Daniel Boone National Forest based on evidence and intel. Couch has been entered into a national database and has warrants for his arrest and $35,000 reward with info leading to his arrest.

“We don’t want people going out into the woods and trying to be a vigilante and drive a four-wheeler and have a shotgun or bow and arrow trying to find Mr. Couch; we want good leads and good tips and we’ll investigate them,” Pennington said.

Pennington said the citizens of Laurel County and Kentucky keep troopers motivated to keep looking until they find their man. They’re hopeful Couch turns himself in.

Couch is already facing five attempted murder charges and five first degree assault charges. Because of injuries sustained by law enforcement, KSP said he could face enhanced charges.

KSP continues to use helicopters, drones and K-9s in their search.

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