A fugitive wanted in connection with a mass shooting on a Kentucky highway over the weekend allegedly texted someone that he wanted to “kill a lot of people” before turning the gun on himself, according to a police affidavit.
Joseph Couch, 32, the man on the run after shooting and killing five motorists on Interstate 75, was hoping for as much blood as possible Saturday morning. A woman contacted police 30 minutes before the shootings to warn them about disturbing text messages she had received from Couch. NBC News reports.
“I'm going to kill a bunch of people. Well, at least I'll try,” Couch, a former National Guardsman, reportedly wrote.
“Then I'm going to kill myself,” he added.
The woman, who was interviewed by investigators on Sunday, told authorities that after receiving the messages she contacted police to warn them about Couch.
Thankfully, Couch's plan was foiled and the victims only suffered injuries from a hail of bullets, and all survivors are in stable condition, according to authorities.
The shooter failed to kill himself during the attack and Couch fled the scene, sparking a massive manhunt through the woods of Kentucky where he disappeared.
Authorities said Couch likely planned the shooting with that location in mind because it was remote and difficult to navigate, allowing him to evade police pursuit.
Authorities have urged residents in remote areas to lock their doors, turn on their porch lights and monitor security cameras, forcing local schools to cancel classes on Monday.
Police said at least 12 vehicles were struck during the shooting, with as many as 20 to 30 rounds fired.
Officials added that Couch legally purchased an AR-style rifle, a sight and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition just hours before the attack.
Police have not yet released a motive for the shooting, but authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Couch's arrest.
According to an arrest warrant, Couch is expected to be charged with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault once he is arrested.
