Kentucky highway shooting suspect vowed to "kill a lot of people," warrant says

The man suspected of opening fire on a highway in Kentucky, Joseph Couch, 32, had sent a chilling text message less than 30 minutes before the shooting, according to an arrest warrant. The message, sent to his ex-wife, stated, "I'm going to kill a lot of people. Well, try at least." In a separate message, he added, "I'll kill myself afterwards."

The arrest warrant, detailed by Capt. Richard Dalrymple of the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, reveals that a dispatcher received a call from the woman who received Couch's messages at 5:03 p.m., just before the shooting occurred on Interstate 75 around 5:30 p.m. Authorities attempted to track Couch's cellphone, but they only received a location update at 6:53 p.m., nearly 90 minutes after the incident.

The affidavit charges Couch with five counts each of criminal attempt to commit murder and first-degree assault. On Sunday, law enforcement officers found a green Army-style duffel bag, ammunition, and spent shell casings near the area where Couch's vehicle was discovered. They also located a Colt AR-15 rifle with a mounted sight and several magazines. The duffel bag had "Couch" written on it.

Authorities have been searching extensively in the rugged terrain near London, Kentucky, approximately 75 miles south of Lexington. State police Master Trooper Scottie Pennington reported that thousands of tips have been received from across Kentucky and beyond, urging the public to continue reporting any suspicious activity.

Pennington noted that there is no evidence to suggest that Couch has left the search area, and authorities are using helicopters equipped with heat sensors and drones to aid in the search, alongside ground teams. He described the search area as challenging, with dense brush, cliffs, and other obstacles complicating the effort.

A $25,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Couch's arrest, with an additional $15,000 from Crime Stoppers and $10,000 from an anonymous donor. 

Rebecca Puryear, one of the shooting victims, shared her harrowing experience with the Lexington Herald-Leader. She was shot in the chest and right arm while driving with her family. Despite severe injuries, Puryear managed to pull over and receive medical help. She is recovering but will require surgery in the future.

In response to the ongoing search, schools in Jackson County and Laurel County have been closed for the second consecutive day, while Clay County schools are conducting virtual classes. Residents are concerned for their safety, with some expressing fears about potential threats from Couch.

Couch, who was most recently living in Woodbine, had purchased an AR-15 and 1,000 rounds of ammunition from a local gun store shortly before the shooting. Kentucky’s relatively lax gun laws have been highlighted in the wake of the incident, with critics pointing to the state’s minimal regulations on gun purchases and carrying.

Couch’s military background, while noted, is not believed to significantly impact his ability to evade capture, according to Pennington. Authorities are hopeful he will eventually surrender, emphasizing the ongoing and intensive nature of the search effort.

Christina DiNoto, a witness to the shooting, expressed her anxiety about the ongoing search, stating, "To know that he's still at large — that makes me nervous, honestly."