Schools closed for 2nd day amid manhunt in rural Kentucky

Floyd Ray Cook is seen in an undated photo provided by the Kentucky State Police. A manhunt is underway for Cook, who is accused of shooting and wounding a Tennessee police officer and then firing at a state trooper in Kentucky. Classes were called off Monday in Cumberland County as the manhunt continued. (Kentucky State Police via AP) Floyd Ray Cook is seen in an undated photo provided by the Kentucky State Police. A manhunt is underway for Cook, who is accused of shooting and wounding a Tennessee police officer and then firing at a state trooper in Kentucky. Classes were called off Monday in Cumberland County as the manhunt continued. (Kentucky State Police via AP)

By Associated Press October 27, 2015 3 min read

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – A rural Kentucky school district canceled classes for a second straight day Tuesday as authorities searched for a fugitive accused of shooting at law officers in two states.

Cumberland County schools Superintendent Kirk Biggerstaff said he doesn’t want students waiting for buses in sparsely-populated areas while Floyd Ray Cook is still at large.

“We still feel that student safety is compromised somewhat with this unique situation,” Biggerstaff said.

The 62-year-old Cook was believed to be on foot after a Saturday shootout with a Kentucky state police trooper. Cook was last seen in the hilly, wooded countryside in Cumberland County, which borders Tennessee.

Cook is charged with attempted first-degree murder in Tennessee for allegedly shooting and wounding a police officer Saturday. Authorities say the officer’s life was saved by his bulletproof vest.