Neighbors of a Kentucky man accused of shooting five drivers on a rural highway have shared alarming accounts of his escalating threats in the community. Joseph Couch, 32, is currently on the run after opening fire on Interstate 75 this past Saturday. Residents from Gray, Kentucky, describe him as someone whose behavior had grown increasingly hostile, with numerous threats made to those living nearby. One neighbor recounted a chilling encounter where Couch pointed a rifle at him and his 9-year-old daughter, threatening their lives.
#BREAKING : I-75 gunman in Kentucky sent text messages to his ex-wife minutes before shooting, according to court documents:
“I’m going to kill a lot of people”
“Well try at least”
“I’ll kill myself afterwards…”#Kentucky #Shooting #ActiveShooter #London #Manhunt #Joseph… pic.twitter.com/tKFGsQENmP
— upuknews (@upuknews1) September 9, 2024
Back in February, Couch was arrested for terroristic threats after allegedly confronting a neighbor who had challenged him for throwing a rock at his family dog. According to reports, Couch responded by grabbing an AR-15 rifle, pointing it at the man and his daughter, and stating that next time, he would shoot them both. The terrified neighbor pressed charges, but those charges were dismissed when the neighbor was not informed of the court date. He later expressed frustration with authorities, feeling they should have confiscated Couch’s firearms after the incident.
Shortly after the initial confrontation, three of the neighbor’s dogs were found dead on his property, with two suspected of being poisoned. Others in the neighborhood confirmed Couch had threatened multiple people, raising concerns about his dangerous tendencies.
Donald Causey, a 61-year-old neighbor, shared that he had once been on good terms with Couch, even lending him tools like a lawnmower. However, tensions flared when Couch allegedly brandished a rifle at him for walking too close to his property. Causey recalled Couch’s unsettling behavior, particularly a moment when Couch circled his house repeatedly with a rifle in a strange marching manner. Though Causey didn’t initially report the incident, he now regrets that decision after witnessing the tragic turn of events. He also expressed concerns that Couch’s mental state had deteriorated in recent months, noting a significant change in his behavior.
The suspect accused of opening fire on motorists along a major highway in south-eastern Kentucky sent a text message vowing to “kill a lot of people” shortly before the shooting, the BBC’s US partner CBS News reports.#josephcouch #kentucky#ActiveShooter #I75#JosephCouch… pic.twitter.com/ZcoL0yJsVd
— Indian Observer (@ag_Journalist) September 10, 2024
Authorities revealed that Couch had sent text messages prior to the highway shooting, declaring his intent to kill as many people as possible before ending his own life. The messages prompted a woman to notify police about half an hour before the attack, but the warning came too late to prevent the violent spree. Couch is now wanted on charges of five counts of attempted murder and first-degree assault.
A massive manhunt is underway, with local and state agencies searching through thousands of wooded acres. Officials raised the reward for information leading to his capture to $35,000 as the search effort intensified. Despite the challenging terrain, law enforcement remains determined to locate Couch, whether dead or alive. Master Trooper Scottie Pennington emphasized the commitment to continue searching until Couch is found, noting that the mission remains the same regardless of his condition.
Neighbors say Kentucky highway shooting suspect Joseph Couch threatened them with rifle: “I’ll just kill you”
Pointed a loaded AR at the person, and their 9 year old child.. pic.twitter.com/gSVjhgnCiu
— iCkEdMeL ☀🔎🔥 (@iCkEdMeL) September 11, 2024
The small community remains on edge as the manhunt continues, with neighbors haunted by the violent episodes that have shaken their once peaceful area.
Major Points:
- Joseph Couch, 32, is wanted for shooting five people on a Kentucky highway and remains at large.
- Neighbors reported previous incidents where Couch threatened them with a firearm, escalating in recent months.
- Couch was arrested earlier in the year for pointing a rifle at a neighbor and his daughter, though charges were dismissed.
- Authorities revealed Couch sent text messages before the attack, expressing his intent to kill multiple people.
- A $35,000 reward has been offered for information, and the manhunt continues as law enforcement searches the area.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
