LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Eleven days after the September 7th shooting along I-75 near Exit 49 in Laurel County, authorities have yet to locate the suspect, 32-year-old Joseph Couch. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced changes to the search efforts, as resources are being re-allocated to better protect the community. In a statement, Governor Beshear said, “Beginning this…
LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Eleven days after the September 7th shooting along I-75 near Exit 49 in Laurel County, authorities have yet to locate the suspect, 32-year-old Joseph Couch. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced changes to the search efforts, as resources are being re-allocated to better protect the community.
In a statement, Governor Beshear said, “Beginning this afternoon, we will begin transitioning state and local law enforcement agencies from a manhunt to a large presence in this community and the surrounding communities.”
The manhunt, which has involved helicopters, drones, dogs, and multiple agencies searching the Daniel Boone National Forest, has been unsuccessful so far. Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett stated, “I’d like to report that we do not have any specific evidence or any details that have led us any closer to his apprehension at this time.”
Governor Beshear explained that the decision to shift the search focus comes as the likelihood of finding Couch in the forest decreases. “The odds of finding the individual in the forest are less, the deployment of our resources into the community now provides a better public safety outcome, a better deterrent than simply continuing the manhunt at its current levels,” Beshear said.
As part of the new efforts, there will be an increased police presence throughout the community and near local schools. Meanwhile, law enforcement will continue using on-the-ground cameras and Black Hawk helicopters in the search for Couch. The governor is still advising residents to avoid the search area.