Law enforcement in southeastern Kentucky resumed a manhunt to find the suspected gunman who opened fire near Interstate 75, injuring seven people in the shooting and a car accident. The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. near exit 49, prompting law enforcement agencies to search the area on foot and with a drone. Authorities named Joseph A. Couch, 32, as a person of interest in the shooting, warning the public that he is armed and dangerous. Deputy Gilbert Acciardo of the sheriff’s office stated that they have not confirmed if Couch was the actual shooter.
The initial search was suspended due to darkness, but officials contained the scene overnight, with the special response team still on the scene. Investigators believe there was only one shooter, and road rage was not a factor in the incident. Reports indicated the suspect was shooting at drivers from an overpass or wooded area, and London Mayor Randall Weddle confirmed no deaths had been reported. Five people were shot and were in stable condition, although some had serious injuries, with one victim shot in the face. Two others were injured in the vehicle accident caused by the shooting.
The search area includes rugged terrain and treelines, with the mayor urging residents to remain safe and vigilant as law enforcement searched for Couch. Described as a White man, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and 154 pounds, Couch is considered armed and dangerous. London, a city with a population of around 7,600, is about 80 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky. Law enforcement is focused on locating Couch and gathering more information about the incident. The manhunt is ongoing, with efforts to ensure the safety of residents in the area.
The shooting incident on Interstate 75 resulted in injuries to seven people, with law enforcement launching a manhunt to find the suspected gunman. Joseph A. Couch was identified as a person of interest, with authorities warning the public about his armed and dangerous status. The initial search was suspended due to darkness, but the scene was contained overnight, with investigations indicating a single shooter. London Mayor Randall Weddle confirmed no deaths and urged residents to be vigilant as search efforts continued in the rugged terrain near the highway exit.
Deputy Acciardo emphasized that road rage was not a factor in the shooting, with reports suggesting the shooter targeted drivers from an overpass or wooded area. Five people were injured in the shooting and were in stable condition, although some sustained serious injuries. Two additional individuals were hurt in the ensuing vehicle accident, leading to concern among residents about safety in the area. The manhunt for Couch continues, with law enforcement agencies working to gather more information and locate the suspect.
The search for Couch has intensified, with a focus on ensuring the safety of individuals in the area as law enforcement agencies continue the manhunt. Descriptions of Couch and warnings about his dangerous nature have been shared with the public, with authorities emphasizing the need for vigilance. London, a city with a relatively small population, is facing heightened security measures as the search for the suspected gunman progresses. Efforts are underway to gather more details about the shooting incident and to locate Couch, who remains at large and poses a threat to the community.
As the manhunt for the suspected gunman in southeastern Kentucky continues, law enforcement agencies are working to ensure that residents remain safe and informed about the ongoing search. With Joseph A. Couch identified as a person of interest, authorities are taking steps to track down the armed and dangerous individual linked to the shooting incident on Interstate 75. The public is urged to stay vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement, as efforts to locate Couch and gather more information about the incident remain a top priority.
