A large-scale manhunt is underway in southeastern Kentucky as law enforcement officials search for a gunman following a violent incident that left seven people injured near Interstate 75. The incident occurred on Saturday evening near Exit 49 in London, a small city about 75 miles south of Lexington, and involved both gunfire and a subsequent vehicle accident.
Shooting and Chaos on Interstate 75
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office described the situation as an “active shooter” event in a post on Facebook, revealing that multiple people were shot near the highway. Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, detailed the chaotic scene that unfolded around 5:30 p.m. when authorities were notified of gunshots along the interstate.
“When our first two units got to the scene there, they said it was a madhouse: people on the sides of the road, emergency flashers going, bullet holes, windows shot out, nine vehicles shot. Can you imagine that? Just chaotic,” Acciardo stated during a press conference on Sunday.
Upon arrival, police discovered numerous vehicles pulled over on the highway, with bullet holes and shattered windows clearly visible. Five individuals were shot during the incident, and although all were reported to be in stable condition early Sunday, some suffered serious injuries, including one person who was shot in the face. Two additional people were injured in a related vehicle accident.
Search for Suspect Suspended Due to Darkness
Following the shooting, officers from multiple law enforcement agencies, including special response teams, launched an intensive search for the suspect in a remote, wooded area near the highway. However, the search was temporarily suspended due to darkness and was set to resume at daybreak on Sunday.
“We do have the area contained right now. It’s a very fluid investigation. Our people are still on the scene. Our special response team is there. We are trying to find a shooter there,” Acciardo said.
Authorities believe that only one shooter was involved and have ruled out road rage as the trigger for the incident. Despite the highway being shut down in both directions for several hours due to uncertainty over where the bullets were fired from, the interstate has since reopened.
Person of Interest Identified
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office has identified a “Person of Interest” connected to the shooting, describing him as Joseph A. Couch, a 32-year-old white male. Authorities have warned the public that Couch should be considered armed and dangerous, and residents are advised not to approach him. Acciardo emphasized, however, that Couch has not yet been confirmed as the shooter.
“We have not determined that this is the individual that fired the weapon,” Acciardo cautioned.
Community Leaders Urge Residents to Stay Indoors
State lawmakers from Laurel County issued a statement condemning the violence and urging residents to remain indoors while the search for the suspect continues. “Without a doubt, this is an act of senseless violence that does not reflect the values of this community, our Commonwealth, or its people,” the statement read.
London Mayor Randall Weddle also addressed the community in a video update on Facebook late Saturday night, seeking to calm fears as the hunt for the gunman persisted. He encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity to 911 but cautioned against unnecessary gunfire that could hinder first responders.
“We’re asking folks please do not go outside your home shooting because we might have first responders in that area. It’s important to know you are safe. We have multiple agencies in this community, in the city of London and in Laurel County,” Weddle said. He added that searchers “know the general area where this individual is” but refrained from disclosing specific details.
Governor Beshear Monitoring Situation Closely
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has been actively monitoring the situation, working closely with the Kentucky State Police and the Office of Homeland Security to provide support. In a post on the social platform X, Beshear stated, “I am 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.”
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