A violent shooting incident on Interstate 75 in Kentucky on Saturday night left five people wounded and two others injured in related crashes, prompting a large-scale manhunt for the suspect. Joseph A. Couch, 32, has been identified as the suspect in the shooting spree, which involved nine vehicles being struck by gunfire near exit 49 on I-75, eight miles from London, Kentucky. Authorities recovered an AR-15 rifle believed to have been used in the attack in a wooded area next to the interstate. The Laurel Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple law enforcement agencies, have been working together to locate and apprehend Couch, who is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
The investigation intensified after Couch’s abandoned SUV was found on a service road near the crime scene. The Knox County Sheriff’s Department indicated that Couch is heavily armed and has multiple rounds of ammunition in his possession. Residents of London and neighboring areas have been advised to stay indoors and report any sightings of the suspect to law enforcement immediately. Despite the ongoing manhunt, questions about the motive behind the shooting remain unanswered. Law enforcement officials believe the shooting was a random act of violence and not related to road rage. Businesses and organizations in the area have been impacted, with some churches canceling services and decreased attendance due to safety concerns.
The shooting has had a significant impact on the community, prompting Mayor Randall Weddle to urge residents to stay vigilant and at home during the ongoing manhunt. Authorities have enlisted the help of drones, helicopters, and ground teams to search the rugged, forested terrain where Couch is believed to be hiding. The FBI has also joined the investigation, providing additional resources and expertise to assist in locating the suspect. The victims of the shooting, one from Kentucky and four from out of state, remain in stable condition in the hospital. Despite some sustaining serious injuries, all are expected to recover. I-75 was closed for several hours as law enforcement secured the scene, with searches centered on a remote area in Laurel County.
Local law enforcement agencies, with the support of the FBI, have established a command center near the crime scene to coordinate operations 24/7. Efforts to locate Couch continued at daybreak on Sunday, with an emphasis on searching the remote wooded areas where he is believed to be hiding. Residents have been cautioned against attempting to approach or apprehend the suspect themselves and to report any sightings to law enforcement. The investigation into the shooting spree continues, with authorities dedicated to bringing the suspect to justice and providing support to the victims and the community.
