The Kentucky manhunt continues on its third day, with officers using machetes to navigate through dense foliage: "A jungle-like environment"
Kentucky authorities to resume search Monday morning.
On Monday, the manhunt for a gunman in Kentucky continued for a third day as officers navigated through "jungle"-like terrain with machetes in search of a suspect who opened fire near Interstate 75 over the weekend, injuring five people, officials stated.
Since the shooting occurred on Saturday at approximately 6 p.m. near exit 49 in a rugged, hilly area of southeastern Kentucky, officers have been relentlessly searching for the suspect. So far, they have recovered an AR-15 rifle and a small silver-colored SUV registered to the suspect, 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch. Despite this, Couch remains on the run.
State police Master Trooper Scottie Pennington, a spokesman for the London state police post, described the extensive search area along the highway as "walking in a jungle," requiring machetes to cut through thickets of woods.
On Sunday night, the search for the suspect ended without any progress, but it resumed on Monday morning with a renewed focus on a remote area eight miles north of London.
Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, a spokesperson for the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, stated that as the search continues, it becomes increasingly stressful for both the community and the officers involved because they are trying to locate a person who has not been found yet.
Rural school districts canceled classes Monday due to caution. Officials advised the public to secure their homes and monitor security.
Before discovering the vehicle near the crime scene, the couch was initially considered a person of interest.
On Saturday morning in London, Couch bought a weapon and 1,000 rounds of ammunition, according to authorities. Couch, who has a military background and served in the National Guard for at least four years, was confirmed by Capt. Richard Dalrymple of the sheriff's office.
Couch is suspected to have fired between 20 to 30 rounds from a wooded area near the highway where Acciardo stated that he could have been shot down on the interstate. The location was chosen by Couch due to its remote nature, with hilly, rocky, and difficult-to-navigate terrain.
On Sunday, 12 vehicles were hit and five people were injured in a shooting incident. Officials stated that all the victims were in stable condition. However, some of the injuries were "very serious," including one person who was shot in the face. Additionally, two other people were injured in a vehicle accident caused by the gunfire.
The manhunt is being aided by troopers from across the state, and investigators have been overwhelmed with public tips.
Strategically placed officers are monitoring the wooded area to prevent the suspect from escaping.
Laurel County Sheriff John Root declared on Sunday night that they will not stop until they catch him.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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