The authorities are continuing to search for a man who is suspected of shooting into vehicles along a major highway in Kentucky, where five people were hurt. The manhunt for Joseph A. Couch, 32, was entering its third day.
Authorities believe that Couch is hiding somewhere in a remote, rugged area about nine miles (14 km) from the city of London in southeastern Kentucky. According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, it found the SUV, a silver Honda, and an AR rifle, which officials believe was used in this attack. Police say Couch may have more firearms. Also found is a phone police believe belongs to Couch, but the battery was taken from it. Hours before the shooting, police said Couch legally purchased the rifle and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition. The shootings began around 5:30 PM local time Saturday. In the first wave, police said nine vehicles were sprayed with bullets along Interstate 75, a north-south route that’s heavily traveled. The number was later reported to be as high as 12 vehicles hit. With the threat continuing to remain unabated, Fayette County schools, Jessamine County schools, and Scott County schools cancelled classes today and said that this decision was taken with regard to the safety concerns of students and staff. District officials say they remain in close contact with law enforcement on the situation. “We are taking all measures to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” Fayette County Schools Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins said. “We know it is a hardship, but with safety and the well-being of everybody as the top priority, we felt this was the best course of action to close schools.”
Parents and caregivers are advised to monitor the local news and to check at the local school district Web site. Over half the members of the schools now have family members running around looking for alternative childcare.
Closures are precautionary because the police are still working to identify the suspect. The police have issued an appeal for the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious. A hotline has been put out, and a reward will be given to anyone who can lead Couch.
School Closures
Schools Closed Due to Manhunt for Kentucky I-75 Gunman
Parents and caregivers are advised to monitor the local news and to check at the local school district Web site. Over half the members of the schools now have family members running around looking for alternative childcare.
Closures are precautionary because the police are still working to identify the suspect. The police have issued an appeal for the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious. A hotline has been put out, and a reward will be given to anyone who can lead Couch.
School Closures
The community remains shaken after the shooting, with many residents airing their fears on social media and in community meetings. The incidents have also called for a need for more security measures and a more realistic response in instances of this kind in the future.
The hunt is on, and the inquiry is underway to trace Couch and find the motive of the man. Only just began was an inquiry into the incident, and till date no official comment of the authorities has been forthcoming on what may have prompted the shooting.
So far, the authorities strive to reestablish safety within the community and catch the perpetrator. City officials had always anticipated that concerted efforts by law enforcers and the public toward resolving the unsettling situation would bring with it a speedy resolution.
The houses were advised to check their buildings from the official sources and be cooperative with the authorities as the search was still on. It was almost hoped that the matter would get resolved soon as classes and daily routines returned to normal.
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