An observer who provided chilling details about the tragic Interstate 75 affair, which left five people shot, described the incident as “scary” and said it was “scary”
A man, who chose to remain anonymous, recalled the horrific experience and said,” A dark SUV, white man got out of it, no shirt on, purple hat on back, blue jeans. Came running through the crossroads, came to the bit straight here by my teaser”.
When the think, named Joseph A. Couch, ran into the woods south of Close 49, the witness had just left the Wildcat ATV playground. He claimed that police quickly stormed the region, as reported by WKYT.
I would have been on the freeway as he was shooting had I not broken a brake range. That was scary”, the testimony added.
The shooting began around 5: 30 p. m. ( US time ) on Saturday near Exit 49 of the highway, about eight miles north of London, Laurel County Sheriff John Root said in a Facebook post. Twelve cars were struck by gunfire, according to Captain Richard Dalrymple of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.
After police found his abandoned Car and AR-15 rifle close to the scene, Couch was immediately identified as a suspect.
Following the shooting, many people called 911. Almost 20 calls were made by different users of WKYT.
” Yeah, I am at the 49 return, going toward Lexington. I only got struck, on the westbound side”, one man told operators.
Some people reported seeing their cars being struck by many shots, while others described seeing individuals being shot.
” She’s gushing heart. I’m trying to stop the bleeding”, one visitor said.
” I’m sitting around with a gun wound. She’s starting to get cold on me. Starting to dark out on me, poor”, the caller said in a later talk.
Callers were instructed to be put and never leave for safety by dispatchers.
Who is Joseph A. Couch?
Officials began their search for Couch after the killing that left five people injured.
Couch has a military background, having served in the National Guard for four decades with an expert battalion. Despite his company, he has had minimal legal issues, including a 2015 judgment for criminal mischief and dealing with minors in illegal ways. Earlier this year, he was charged with “terroristic threatening”, but the case was dismissed due to the defendant’s failure to appear in court.
Authorities are also investigating Couch’s intentions for the killing, which they described as a “random action” of violence. No specific priorities were made, and law enforcement officials emphasized that the strike appeared to be unplanned.
Authorities Give Reward for Knowledge
London Mayor Randall Weddle urged citizens to give information leading to the criminal’s arrest and advised them to remain alert.
” If you’re uncomfortable or you think somebody’s inside your house, call 911″, Weddle told CBS internet WKYT-TV on Monday. ” With the number of devices around, somebody’s going to get to you fast”.
Weddle also stated that an unnamed benefactor had offered$ 10, 000 for any information leading to the criminal’s arrest.
Separately, the Kentucky State Police announced a$ 5, 000 reward, bringing the total to$ 15, 000.
