Kentucky police reported an “active shooter situation” on Saturday evening near Interstate 75 in London, Kentucky, south of Lexington, where “numerous persons” had been shot in traffic.
In a video statement, London mayor Randall Weddle said 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.
The sheriff’s office also announced that a “person of interest” has been identified in connection with the shooting, saying he should be considered armed and dangerous and people should not approach him.
The incident began just before 6pm local time about nine miles outside London, when officers were called for reports of multiple vehicles being fired at on the interstate in Laurel County, multiple media accounts said. The shots were reportedly coming from a wooded area or an overpass.
Kentucky state trooper Scottie Pennington wrote on Facebook: “The suspect has not been caught at this time and we are urging people to stay inside.”
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear wrote on X: “Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County. Please avoid the area. We will provide more details once they are available.”
He also asked that residents, “Please pray for everyone involved.”
London is a small city of about 8,000 residents, about 100 miles north-west of the state capital Frankfort.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report