Kentucky shooting: Fugitive suspect still at large after seven hurt in highway shooting
Authorities urged locals to avoid the interstate highway as the shooter is still at large
A mass shooter — identified as Joseph A Couch, 32 — was at large after opening fire near near I-75 in Kentucky, striking multiple people, according to authorities.
Authorities searched for Couch, considered a “person of interest” in a shooting that broke out just after 6.30pm on Saturday near the interstate highway — nine miles north of London, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Although authorities initially closed I-75 at Exit 49 and US 25 due to an “active shooter situation,” at around 9.20pm, the sheriff’s office announced that the highway had reopened in both directions.
Officials warned against approaching him, as he is considered “armed and dangerous”.
He has not yet been apprehended, according to London Mayor Randall Weddle.
Seven people were injured — not all from gunshot wounds — and none have died as a result of the incident, the mayor said. Others were injured from an accident. The victims have not yet been identified and their conditions have not been released.
Governor Andy Beshear urged locals to avoid the area in a post on X: “Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County. Law enforcement has shut the interstate down in both directions at exit 49. Please avoid the area. We will provide more details once they are available.”
Seven injured, none killed, and suspect is still on the loose, according to the mayor
Authorities identify ‘person of interest'
Laurel County Sheriff’s Office identiy Joseph A Couch, 32, as a ‘person of interest’ in the shooting near I-75.
“If you have any information regarding the whereabouts or location on this individual please contact the London-Laurel County 911 Center by calling 911 or 606-878-7000.”
Police warned against approaching Couch.
Five were shot in the rampage: report
Five people were shot in Saturday night’s incident, according to the New York Times.
The London mayor had previously stated that seven people had been injured, but specified that “some” of them had been injured in a car accident. He added that authorities are looking for the suspect — identified as Joseph A Couch, 32 — in “rugged terrain.”
Police told the outlet that helicopters and infrared scanners were being used to search for the gunman in the woods in Laurel County.
The victims have not yet been identified and their conditions have not been released.
What do we know about the Kentucky shooting?
- Reports of a shooting near I-75 in London emerged around 6.35pm, prompting officials to shut down the interstate highway
The mayor warned that seven had been injured — but “some” were wounded in a car accident
- Five people have been shot, according to the New York Times
- By 8.30pm, police identified Joseph A Couch, 32, as a “person of interest” in the shooting
- As of four hours since the initial reports, he has not been apprehended
- The London mayor previously said that the manhunt was happening in “rugged terrain”
Laurel County legislators issue a statement condemning ‘senseless violence’
“While the situation at I-75 and US 25 is ongoing, we ask community members to avoid the area and request those who live in the vicinity remain in their homes as local law enforcement and the Kentucky State Police work. “As we continue to learn more about this attack, we ask for prayers for everyone involved, the victims, their families, and the first responders. Without a doubt, this is an act of senseless violence that does not reflect the values of this community, our Commonwealth, or its people.”
Who is the suspect?
Joseph A Couch, 32, was named the “person of interest” connected to the shooting.
Authorities described Couch as a white male approximately 5’10 weighing approximately 154 lbs.
As of 11pm, he is still at large.
Timeline of the incident
6.36pm:
Laurel County Sheriff’s Office warned of ‘numerous persons shot’ near I-75. Authorities said the highway was closed at Exit 49 and US 25 :due to an active shooter situation.”
7.04pm:
Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington announces the suspect is still at large: “The Suspect has not been caught at this time we are urging people to stay inside!!”
7.23pm:
Governor Andy Beshear tweeted that he is “receiving initial reports from the Kentucky State Police and our Office of Homeland Security — together we are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible. Please pray for everyone involved.”
7.41pm:
ATF Louisville agents said they were responding and assisting the state police and local authorities with a “critical incident.”
8.36pm:
Authorities identify the “person of interest” as Joseph A Couch, 32. He has still not been apprehended.