COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The task force investigating the person responsible for a series of shootings in the Columbus area said Friday that the shooter may have access to several vehicles and may alter his appearance.

Franklin County sheriff's Chief Deputy Steve Martin said the shooter may live alone, or has the freedom to come and go at all hours of the day and night. Martin said that if he is employed, he has flexibility to his schedule.

He said the shooter has access to weapons, most likely a handgun, and may have shown the weapon to a close, personal friend or associate. Twenty-four shootings have been linked to the serial shooter, including one that killed a woman on Interstate 270 in November.

Nine of the attacks have been linked to the same weapon that killed Gail Knisley on Nov. 25. The latest shooting occurred Feb. 14 along Interstate 70 east of the city.

The task force said witnesses saw a white man about 30 to 40 who was of average height and weight. He had dark hair and a dark hat and wore dark sunglasses. They described his vehicle as a small to midsize dark-colored sedan.

Martin said he is not surprised that the shooter hasn't struck since mid-February. "We've had these lulls before," Martin said. "We have no reason to believe that he's still not out there."

Martin said people who know the shooter might be surprised about his involvement and that the person might not be an obvious choice.

Martin said the task force has no specific evidence that the shooter is using more than one vehicle, but he said the public should not have "tunnel vision" while observing their surroundings.

The task force also warned people not to approach or follow the shooter if they observe him.

"He's armed, and would not be hesitant of shooting someone that confronted him," Martin said. He said people should call law enforcement after seeing any suspicious people or vehicles, especially near overpasses.

A reward for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the shooter or shooters responsible for Knisley's death stands at $60,000.

Anyone with information is asked to call (614) 462-4646.

UPDATED Interactive Map: Columbus Area Shootings
Timeline of Serial Highway Shootings

Telephone Tip Line: (614) 462-4646
Send Tips: Franklin County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box. 360562, Columbus, OH 43236-0562