Manhunt for 'sniper-like' mass murderer intensifies as sinister details emerge

As the manhunt continues for the suspected gunman wanted in connection with a horrific “sniper-style” mass shooting in Kentucky, disturbing details about Joseph A. Couch are coming to light.

Couch, 32, was previously arrested in Knox County in February for allegedly threatening a neighbor with an AR-style weapon, but the charges were dropped after the victim failed to appear in court.

The victim claimed Couch threw a rock at the dog and then “started cursing.” Couch went inside and allegedly came back with an AR-style weapon.

The neighbor accused Couch of making death threats.

A few months later, Laurel County Sheriff's Captain Richard Dalrymple said Couch allegedly fired shots “from about 30 feet off a cliff” near I-75.

The Laurel County Sheriff's Office closed a portion of I-75 on Saturday due to a shooting. Five people were injured in the shooting and two more in a subsequent car crash.

The suspect is said to have shot at at least 12 vehicles.

Laurel County Sheriff's Deputy Gilbert Acciardo described the incident as “sniper-like.”

An arrest warrant for Couch, obtained by NBC News, charges him with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault.

Newsweek He has contacted the Laurel County Sheriff's Office for further information.

Couch served for four years in a National Guard engineer battalion.

Officials said he purchased a gun and 1,000 rounds of ammunition the morning before the incident.

The manhunt for Couch is entering its third day. He is described as a white male, approximately 5'10″ tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds. He lives in Woodbine, Kentucky.

On Saturday, officers searched Couch's home.

The sheriff's office also found a vehicle registered to Couch on a U.S. Forest Service road near I-75 on Saturday. The next day, officers found an AR-style rifle near where the car was found.

Several authorities are involved in the search. Dogs and a drone are also being used.

Police have set up a no-go zone around a wooded area where Couch is believed to be located. Officials said the area is remote and has few residential homes.

Seven counties, several private schools and a community college canceled classes Monday while the search continues.

Laurel County Public Schools announced on its website that its schools will be closed Monday “out of an abundance of caution.”

Somerset Community College's Laurel Campus also announced that it would be closed on Monday “out of an abundance of caution.”

The condition of the five gunshot victims is stable and they are expected to survive.

Authorities do not believe the shooting was targeted. The incident remains under investigation.

Kentucky State Police officers have taken the lead in the search for Couch. The Laurel County Sheriff's Office is leading the criminal investigation.

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