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An active shooter — identified as Joseph A Couch, 32 — is at large after opening fire near near I-75 in Kentucky, striking multiple people, according to authorities.
Authorities are in search of a Couch, considered a “person of interest” in a shooting that broke out just after 6.30pm 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.”
What has happened so far
A shooting on Interstate 75 in Kentucky left five people injured and sparked a massive manhunt on Saturday night. Here’s a summary of the events:
– Around 6.30pm, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office reported an active shooter situation on I-75, closing the highway at Exit 49, 14km north of London, Kentucky.
– Five people were shot, but all are in stable condition, according to a spokesperson for Laurel County Sheriff’s Office deputy Gilbert Acciardo.
– Authorities launched a search for the suspect or suspects in rugged terrain in northern Laurel County, using helicopters and infrared scanners.
– A person of interest was identified, and the public was asked for information about their whereabouts.
– The I-75 highway reopened around 9.20pm, but the search for the suspect continued.
– The 49er Truck Stop near the shooting scene was placed on lockdown, with multiple police cars surrounding the facility.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Namita Singh8 September 2024 05:14
Where is London, Kentucky?
London, Kentucky, is a city located in Laurel County, in the southeastern part of the state. It is situated at the crossroads of Interstate 75 and Highway 80. The city is currently in the spotlight due to an active shooter situation that has unfolded in the area, prompting the shutdown of Interstate 75.
Laurel County, with a population of approximately 63,000 according to the 2020 Census, is known for its economic development opportunities, with 17 manufacturers, 12 distribution warehouses, and five food production sites. The county seat, London, is a hub for industrial and commercial activity, with several development projects underway.
Namita Singh8 September 2024 05:02
Days after another mass shooting
The Kentucky shooting comes days after a 14-year-old opened fire at his school in Winder, Georgia. He is accused of killing four people — two students and two teachers — and injuring nine others.
The suspected shooter Colt Gray faces murder charges and will be tried as an adult.
His father, 54-year-old Colin Gray, also faces charges. On Thursday, one day after his son’s deadly rampage, Colin was charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Wednesday’s shooting marked the 385th shooting in the US this year.
More on the tragedy here:
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 05:00
Police reopens Interstate-75
The interstate was closed 14km north of London as police worked to locate the suspect. It was later reopened, announced the governor.
“I-75 has reopened — but this is an ongoing investigation. We thank our law enforcement and first responders for their work,” governor Andy Beshear wrote on X.
Namita Singh8 September 2024 04:46
ICYMI: Update from the mayor describing manhunt through ‘rugged terrain’
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 04:45
Police identify ‘person of interest’ as Joseph A Couch
The Laurel County Sheriff’s office has identified a “Person of Interest” in a recent shooting: 32-year-old Joseph A Couch, considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities urge anyone with information on his location to call 911. State lawmakers have advised residents to stay home as police search for the shooter, condemning the act as “senseless violence” that doesn’t reflect community values. A heavy police and fire presence is on the scene, working to address the situation.
Namita Singh8 September 2024 04:38
Multiple people shot along I-75 in southeastern Kentucky, authorities say
Multiple people were shot Saturday along Interstate 75 in a rural area of southeastern Kentucky, authorities said.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook that it was an “active shooter situation” and “numerous persons” were shot near the highway.
In a video statement, London mayor Randall Weddle said he was told seven people were hurt, but not all of those were wounded by gunfire. Some of the victims were injured in a vehicle accident, he said.
“There are no deceased at this time. No one was killed from this, thankfully, but we ask that you continue to pray,” Weddle said.
Hospital officials at Saint Joseph London said in a statement that the facility was treating multiple patients, LEX 18 reported. The hospital added that the ones it received had minor injuries.
Namita Singh8 September 2024 04:23
London Mayor Weddle says the shooting doesn’t appear to be random: report
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 04:15
Timeline of the incident
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.”
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!!”
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.”
ATF Louisville agents said they were responding and assisting the state police and local authorities with a “critical incident.”
Authorities identify the “person of interest” as Joseph A Couch, 32. He has still not been apprehended.
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 04:12
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.
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 04:04