Shooting suspects in southern Kentucky in hiding is believed to be dangerous and armed

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Shooting suspects in southern Kentucky in hiding is believed to be dangerous and armed

I-75 is currently closed within Laurel County for a report of an active shooter incident.

By WKYT News Staff

Sep 07, 2024 10:53 PM

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.

Many agencies of law enforcement are searching at Joseph A. Couch, 32, from Woodbine, KY. Couch is 5’10” tall and weights 154 pounds. Police advise against be around him.

Laurel County Sheriff John Root states deputies were initially called to investigate an injured person shot about 5:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon on I-75 just before exit number 49.

The moment deputies arrived they discovered that nine vehicles damaged by shots in both north and southbound roads. Five victims were discovered to be severely injured.

London Mayor Randall Weddle told WKYT the five victims were in stable condition. Three of them were taken to St. Joseph London for treatment.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office says the law enforcement agency is searching to locate Joseph A. Couch, 32. He is wanted as a person of concern for the incident. The sheriff’s office states that the suspect is dangerous and armed.

 
Joseph A. Couch is named as a person of interest in the shooting that occurred on Saturday night at I-75 within Laurel County. In a tweet, the Knox County Sheriff’s Department shared the photo of him from his previous arrests on February 20, 2024. (Knox County Sheriff’s Department)

Mayor Weddle is adamant that authorities are looking for Couch in the rural area within Laurel County, and they believe he’ll be found very soon.

Lexington police utilized their helicopter to aid in the search.

Officials want to assure the public that they are secure tonight due to the large numerous police agencies that are within the region.

They are also encouraging people to remain alert and stay at home.

Anyone in the area is advised to follow the directions of the police department firefighters, police officers and road signs for any remaining road detours.

KY 909 as well as U.S. 25 in Laurel County are still closed, as are the two ramps to exit 49.

This is a growing story.

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