Kentucky shooting Sunday – Authorities in Laurel County, Kentucky, are continuing their search for a suspect involved in a shooting that led to a shutdown of Interstate 75 on Saturday. The incident occurred near Exit 49 and U.S. Route 25, approximately eight miles north of London. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Department first reported the situation on social media around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
The shooting took place around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday when deputies responded to reports of a gunshot victim on I-75. Nine vehicles were fired upon from both sides of the roadway, leaving five individuals injured. The severity of the injuries has not been fully detailed by authorities.
As a result of the incident, Interstate 75 was closed for more than three hours while law enforcement officials conducted an extensive search for the suspect. The highway was reopened around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, but the investigation and search efforts were put on hold overnight. Officials contained the area, and the search was scheduled to resume early Sunday morning, according to updates from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department.
Joseph A. Couch, a 32-year-old male, was identified as a person of interest in the investigation. Couch is described as a white man, standing 5-foot-10 and weighing approximately 154 pounds. Authorities have warned that he is considered armed and dangerous, and residents in the area have been urged to remain vigilant.
The search and investigation have been supported by more than a dozen first-response agencies, indicating the seriousness of the situation and the coordinated effort being made to apprehend the suspect. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Department and other agencies are working diligently to track down the person responsible for the shootings.
London Mayor Randall Weddle addressed the community’s concerns in a social media post early Sunday morning, acknowledging the limited information available at the time. “I understand that the community is seeking more answers, but this is all the information I have at this time,” Weddle wrote. He also extended thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the first responders who have been involved in the case.
In a statement to WYMT, Mayor Weddle urged local residents to exercise caution. He advised people to “stay home and be vigilant” as the search for the suspect continues.
This alarming incident has shocked the community, as shootings on major highways are relatively rare. The targeted nature of the attacks, with multiple vehicles being shot at along both sides of the highway, suggests a deliberate and dangerous act. Local residents, travelers, and those in nearby areas are on high alert as law enforcement officers continue their efforts to locate the suspect.
The details surrounding the shootings, including the motive and the events leading up to the attacks, are still under investigation. It remains unclear why Couch was identified as a person of interest and what connection, if any, he may have to the victims. Authorities have not disclosed whether the individuals shot were random targets or if there was any prior interaction with the suspect.
As investigators comb through evidence and eyewitness accounts, they are urging the public to report any information that may assist in locating Couch or shedding light on the circumstances of the shootings. In the meantime, the community is left grappling with the unsettling reality that an armed and dangerous individual remains at large.
The incident has prompted heightened security measures in and around Laurel County. With the search resuming at dawn, local law enforcement is expected to continue coordinating efforts with various agencies to ensure the safety of residents and apprehend the suspect as quickly as possible. Given that Couch is considered armed, authorities are taking extra precautions to ensure public safety throughout the search.
This tragic event underscores the need for ongoing cooperation between law enforcement and the community. Authorities have emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, staying informed, and avoiding unnecessary risks while the search is underway. Those living in or traveling through the affected areas are encouraged to stay updated on the situation and follow any directives issued by local authorities.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and more information will likely be released as the search for Couch progresses. The local community is hopeful that the suspect will be apprehended soon and that those affected by the shootings will receive the support and assistance they need during this difficult time. For now, the focus remains on finding the person responsible and ensuring that no further harm is done.
In the coming days, as the investigation continues, it is likely that more details will emerge about the suspect, the motive behind the shootings, and the condition of the victims. Local leaders and law enforcement are working hard to provide updates as they become available and to reassure the community that everything possible is being done to bring this tragic situation to a safe resolution.