LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - UPDATE: The suspect in a mass shooting on the interstate in Laurel County is on the run and considered armed and dangerous.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are looking for Joseph A. Couch, 32, of Woodbine, KY. He is described as 5′10″ and 154 pounds. Deputies say you should not approach him.
Laurel County Sheriff John Root says deputies were originally called for a report of a gunshot victim around 5:30 p.m. Saturday on I-75 near exit 49.
When deputies arrived, they found nine vehicles had been shot into in both the north and southbound lanes. Five people were found to be seriously injured.
London Mayor Randall Weddle told WKYT the five victims were stable. Three were flown out of St. Joseph London for treatment.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office says law enforcement is looking for Joseph A. Couch, 32. He is a person of interest in the shooting. The sheriff’s office says he is considered armed and dangerous.
Joseph A. Couch is named a person of interest in the shooting Saturday night on I-75 in Laurel County. The Knox County Sheriff's Department shared his picture from previous arrest in February 2024. (Knox County Sheriff's Department)
Mayor Weddle says authorities are looking for Couch in a rural part of Laurel County, and they are confident he will be caught soon.
Lexington police used their helicopter to assist the search.
Officials want to assure citizens they are safe tonight because of the number of police agencies in the area.
However, they are reminding people to stay vigilant and stay home.
Anyone who is currently in the area is urged to follow directions from law enforcement, fire department personnel and road signs for remaining detours.
KY 909 and U.S. 25 in Laurel County are both still closed, along with both ramps of exit 49.
Copyright 2024 WKYT. All rights reserved.
phcubaphteve on September 8th, 2024 at 01:54 UTC »
I thought I just heard on the scanner that a woman had called 911 and was whispering that she saw the shooter lying in her yard
benbaker08 on September 8th, 2024 at 00:50 UTC »
I'm listening to the police scanner. They communicated to dispatch that he bought an AR-15 this morning
Edit: This morning. Not yesterday morning.
GatorGuru on September 8th, 2024 at 00:46 UTC »
CONSIDER ARMED AND DANGEROUS The below individual, Joseph A. Couch, is a Person of Interest in the shooting that occurred at the Exit 49/ KY-909 area. 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.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPROACH Joseph A. Couch is a 32 year old white male approximately 5’10 weighing approximately 154lbs.