Federal, state, and local authorities are continuing their search for 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch, who allegedly opened fire near Interstate 75 in Kentucky over the weekend. As of Monday afternoon, Couch remains at large, having evaded capture for over 48 hours.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Saturday near exit 49. Authorities report that Couch fired 20 to 30 rounds, striking 12 vehicles in the process.

An affidavit from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office reveals that a woman, identified as Couch’s ex-wife, received alarming texts from him. Couch reportedly wrote that he was “going to kill a lot of people” and planned to “kill myself afterwards.”

State Trooper Scottie Pennington provided an update on the search efforts, describing the manhunt as a “methodical effort similar to hide and seek.”

“Our goal is to apply steady pressure and wearing Mr. Couch down,” Pennington said.
“Hopefully he has no water and nothing to eat.”

Couch has a military background, having served in the U.S. Army Reserve from March 2013 to January 2019 as a 12B combat engineer. He was discharged as a private and had no deployments.

Pennington described the search area as being like a jungle, with challenging terrain that includes cliff beds, sinkholes, caves, and culverts. He urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

“If you see something that looks strange in your area where you live, if you come home and your doors don’t seem like that’s how you left it, back out and call somebody,” Pennington advised.
“If you’re at home, don’t be alone. Always have your cell phone. Have phone access.”

The search is focused on the rugged, hilly area near London, a small city of around 8,000 people located approximately 75 miles south of Lexington. Authorities recovered a vehicle and an AR-15 rifle during their search on Sunday.

Couch faces multiple charges, including five counts each of criminal attempt to commit murder and first-degree assault, according to the affidavit. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office has offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

The ongoing manhunt has led to the closure of more than a dozen school districts across southeastern Kentucky as the search continues into its third day.

Couch’s most recent residence was in Woodbine, a small community about 20 miles south of the shooting scene. Authorities report that he purchased the weapon and approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition on Saturday morning in London.

The search effort involves multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the ATF, London City Police, and the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department.

Watch a local news report about the incident below:

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Navigating through the wilderness can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not properly equipped. One essential tool for any outdoor adventurer is a reliable compass. A good compass will help you accurately determine your direction and location, ensuring that you stay on track and reach your destination safely. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best compasses available for wilderness navigation and discuss their key features.

First on our list is the Suunto MC-2G Global Compass. This high-quality compass is designed with a global needle, which means it can be used anywhere in the world without any calibration adjustments. The MC-2G also features a liquid-filled capsule, which ensures a stable and accurate reading, even in extreme conditions. The baseplate of the Suunto MC-2G is equipped with a magnifying lens, a ruler, and a clinometer, making it a versatile tool for map reading and route planning. The compass also has a luminous bezel and markings, allowing for easy navigation in low-light conditions.

Another excellent option for wilderness navigation is the Silva Ranger 2.0 Compass. This compass features a sighting mirror, which allows you to take precise bearings and reduces the risk of errors. The Ranger 2.0 also has a declination adjustment function, which enables you to compensate for the difference between magnetic and true north. The baseplate of the Silva Ranger 2.0 includes a map measuring scale, a magnifying lens, and a rubber grip for secure handling. The compass’s luminous markings make it easy to use in low-light situations, and its durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.

The Brunton TruArc 20 Compass is a rugged and reliable option for wilderness navigation. This compass features a global needle, making it suitable for use anywhere in the world. The TruArc 20 also has a tool-free declination adjustment, allowing you to easily account for the difference between magnetic and true north. The baseplate of the Brunton TruArc 20 includes a map magnifier, a ruler, and a clinometer, providing you with all the tools you need for accurate map reading and route planning. The compass’s luminous bezel and markings ensure that it can be used effectively in low-light conditions.

For those seeking a military-grade option, the Cammenga 27CS Lensatic Compass is an excellent choice. This compass is built to last, with a durable aluminum frame and waterproof housing. The 27CS features a lensatic sighting system, which allows you to take precise bearings and navigate with confidence. The Cammenga 27CS also has a phosphorescent paint, which provides a luminous glow for up to eight hours, making it easy to use in low-light situations. The compass’s rotating bezel has both degrees and mils, giving you the flexibility to use it with various map scales and coordinate systems.

Finally, the Suunto A-30L Compass is a lightweight and affordable option for wilderness navigation. This compass features a liquid-filled capsule, ensuring accurate and stable readings. The A-30L also has a declination adjustment function, allowing you to compensate for the difference between magnetic and true north. The baseplate of the Suunto A-30L includes a map measuring scale, a ruler, and a magnifying lens, making it a useful tool for map reading and route planning. The compass’s luminous markings make it easy to use in low-light conditions, and its durable construction ensures it can withstand the demands of outdoor adventures.

In conclusion, each of these compasses offers unique features and benefits, but all are reliable and accurate tools for wilderness navigation. By investing in a high-quality compass, you’ll be better prepared to navigate through the great outdoors and enjoy a safe and successful adventure.

Greetings, fellow adventurers. This is Jack Morgan, your trusted guide through the wilderness of survival and preparedness. Today, we’re embarking on a journey to equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the best hiking gear, from shoes to backpacks.

Shoes

First off, your feet. They’re your most valuable asset on any hike, and the right shoes can make the difference between a memorable adventure and a painful ordeal. When choosing hiking shoes, consider the terrain you’ll be traversing. For flat and gentle trails, a pair of trail runners or light hikers will suffice. They offer flexibility, lightness, and comfort. However, if you’re heading into rocky, steep, or muddy terrain, opt for hiking boots. They provide more ankle support, excellent traction, and are typically waterproof.

Socks

Next, let’s talk socks. A good pair of socks can prevent blisters and keep your feet dry and comfortable. Merino wool is a popular choice due to its moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial properties. Avoid cotton at all costs; it retains moisture and can lead to blisters.

Clothing

Now, onto clothing. The key here is layering. A moisture-wicking base layer will keep you dry, an insulating middle layer will keep you warm, and a waterproof outer layer will protect you from the elements. Synthetic materials or wool are your best bet; avoid cotton as it absorbs moisture and takes a long time to dry.

A good pair of hiking pants is essential. They should be durable, lightweight, and offer freedom of movement. Convertible pants, which can be zipped off into shorts, are a versatile option.

Your torso requires equal attention. A moisture-wicking shirt, a warm fleece, and a waterproof jacket should be part of your hiking wardrobe. In colder weather, consider a down jacket for its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.

Backpack

Now, let’s discuss one of the most critical pieces of your hiking gear: the backpack. The right backpack should fit your body well and have enough capacity for your gear without being excessively large. For day hikes, a 20 to 30-liter backpack is usually sufficient. For multi-day hikes, you might need anywhere from 40 to 70 liters, depending on your gear.

Choose a backpack with a supportive and adjustable harness to distribute the load evenly across your body. Look for features like a built-in rain cover, multiple compartments for organization, and hydration reservoir compatibility.

Inside your pack, consider carrying a compact first-aid kit, a multi-tool, a map and compass, a headlamp, and a whistle. Don’t forget about hydration and nutrition; pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks.

Finally, let’s not forget about the ‘ten essentials’ – a list developed by The Mountaineers, a hiking and outdoor organization, that includes navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire, repair kit and tools, nutrition, hydration, and emergency shelter. These items should be in every hiker’s backpack, regardless of the trip length.

Choosing the right gear can make your hiking experience more enjoyable and safer. Remember, the best gear for you depends on the type of hiking you plan on doing, the weather conditions, and your personal preferences.

This guide should serve as a starting point in your quest for the ultimate hiking gear. But remember, the wilderness is a demanding teacher, and experience is the best guide. So gear up, get out there, and start learning firsthand. The trails are waiting. Happy hiking, friends.