A manhunt is underway in rural Kentucky following a shooting incident that left as many as five people injured on Saturday night. The shooter, who remains at large, reportedly opened fire on traffic from the side of a highway. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. near the I-75 highway, approximately nine miles from the town of London, KY, an area known for its proximity to the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Authorities have named Joseph A. Couch, 32, as a person of interest in the case. Couch, a white male standing about 5’10 and weighing 154 pounds, is considered armed and dangerous. Local residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid the area near the highway as law enforcement continues their search.
Kentucky State Police spokesperson Scottie Pennington stated that the location of the shooter remains unknown, describing the situation as a “very active scene.” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the incident and advised the public to avoid the area, as the interstate was shut down in both directions at exit 49.
The shooting incident resulted in a total of seven injuries, though not all were gunshot-related. London Mayor Randall Weddle clarified that some victims were injured in a vehicle accident that occurred during the incident. He estimated that four to five of the victims sustained gunshot wounds. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported.
The I-75 highway was closed in both directions from exits 49 to 62 for several hours following the incident, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Route 25 was also shut down. The Mount Vernon Fire Department warned locals to expect significant delays.
The investigation into the incident is being led by the Laurel Canyon Police Department, with assistance from the Kentucky State Police and other agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Governor Beshear stated that he is actively monitoring the situation alongside the Kentucky State Police and the local Office of Homeland Security.
Laurel County, where the incident occurred, is located 90 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky, and has a population of approximately 62,000 people. The city of London, located within the county, is home to just over 8,000 residents.