Kentucky shooting: Fugitive suspect still at large after seven hurt in highway shooting

A mass shooter — identified as Joseph A Couch, 32 — was at large after opening fire near near I-75 in Kentucky, striking multiple people, according to authorities.

Authorities searched for Couch, considered a “person of interest” in a shooting that broke out just after 6.30pm on Saturday 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.”

Key points

• Seven people injured — not all from gunshot wounds, London mayor says

• Police identify Joseph A Couch, 32, as ‘person of interest’ in shooting

• Governor Andy Beshear said he has received ‘initial reports’ from the Kentucky State Police and our Office of Homeland Security

• Suspect is still at large, state police warn, urging locals to stay inside

What we know about the shooting so far

Sunday 8 September 2024 00:48 , Kelly Rissman

• Laurel County Sheriff’s Office reported an ‘active shooter situation’ around 6.30pm

• “Numerous” people have been shot — but the exact number is not yet known

• The shooter has not been caught, as of 7.48pm

• Kentucky State Police and ATF Louisville are assisting in responding to the incident

‘ Please pray for everyone involved,’ Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says as ‘active shooting situation' is ongoing

Sunday 8 September 2024 00:49 , Kelly Rissman

What has Kentucky State Police said?

Sunday 8 September 2024 00:50 , Kelly Rissman

“Ky State Police and the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office have closed I-75 at Mile Marker Exit 49 and US 25, Nine miles north of London due to an active shooter situation!!The Suspect has not been caught at this time we are urging people to stay inside!!We will try our best to get you as much information as it becomes available!!”

-Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington

Parts of the interstate highway are closed

Sunday 8 September 2024 00:53 , Kelly Rissman

I-75 is closed at Exit 49 and US 25, nine miles north of London, due to an active shooter situation, Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said.

Mount Vernon Fire Department announced that southbound traffic on I-75 is now being diverted off at Exit 59, adding that drivers should “expect heavy congestion and delays in the area.” The department urged locals to avoid the area.

London Mayor Randall Weddle encouraged locals to avoid the area

01:00 , Kelly Rissman

Local meteorologist captures chaos on the highway

01:04 , Kelly Rissman

Where is London, Kentucky?

01:10 , Kelly Rissman

London, Kentucky is about 100 miles south of Lexington.

It is home to about 7,600 people, according to census data.

Interstate remains closed an hour and a half after initial reports, officials say

01:20 , Kelly Rissman

Where is I-75 closed?

01:30 , Kelly Rissman

This shooting comes days after the mass shooting in Winder, Georgia

01:43 , Kelly Rissman

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:

What we know about the Apalachee High School shooting that left four dead in Georgia

Seven injured, none killed, and suspect is still on the lose, according to the mayor

01:49 , Kelly Rissman

Authorities identify ‘person of interest'

01:59 , Kelly Rissman

Laurel County Sheriff’s Office identiy Joseph A Couch, 32, as a ‘person of interest’ in the shooting near I-75.

“If you have any information regarding the whereabouts or location on this individual please contact the London-Laurel County 911 Center by calling 911 or 606-878-7000.”

Police warned against approaching Couch.

The highway re-opens but suspect still at large, police say

02:26 , Kelly Rissman

I-75 has ‘fully reopened'

02:40 , Kelly Rissman

Five were shot in the rampage: report

03:02 , Kelly Rissman

Five people were shot in Saturday night’s incident, according to the New York Times.

The London mayor had previously stated that seven people had been injured, but specified that “some” of them had been injured in a car accident. He added that authorities are looking for the suspect — identified as Joseph A Couch, 32 — in “rugged terrain.”

Police told the outlet that helicopters and infrared scanners were being used to search for the gunman in the woods in Laurel County.

The victims have not yet been identified and their conditions have not been released.

The investigation continues, the governor says

03:22 , Kelly Rissman

What do we know about the Kentucky shooting?

03:35 , Kelly Rissman

• Reports of a shooting near I-75 in London emerged around 6.35pm, prompting officials to shut down the interstate highway

• The mayor warned that seven had been injured — but “some” were wounded in a car accident

  • Five people have been shot, according to the New York Times

• By 8.30pm, police identified Joseph A Couch, 32, as a “person of interest” in the shooting

• As of four hours since the initial reports, he has not been apprehended

• The London mayor previously said that the manhunt was happening in “rugged terrain”

Laurel County legislators issue a statement condemning ‘senseless violence’

03:46 , Kelly Rissman

“While the situation at I-75 and US 25 is ongoing, we ask community members to avoid the area and request those who live in the vicinity remain in their homes as local law enforcement and the Kentucky State Police work.“As we continue to learn more about this attack, we ask for prayers for everyone involved, the victims, their families, and the first responders. Without a doubt, this is an act of senseless violence that does not reflect the values of this community, our Commonwealth, or its people.”

Who is the suspect?

04:04 , Kelly Rissman

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.

Timeline of the incident

04:12 , Kelly Rissman

6.36pm:

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.”

7.04pm:

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!!”

7.23pm:

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.”

7.41pm:

ATF Louisville agents said they were responding and assisting the state police and local authorities with a “critical incident.”

8.36pm:

Authorities identify the “person of interest” as Joseph A Couch, 32. He has still not been apprehended.

London Mayor Weddle says the shooting doesn’t appear to be random: report

04:15 , Kelly Rissman

Multiple people shot along I-75 in southeastern Kentucky, authorities say

04:23 , Namita Singh

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.

Police identify 'person of interest' as Joseph A Couch

04:38 , Namita Singh

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.

ICYMI: Update from the mayor describing manhunt through ‘rugged terrain'

04:45 , Kelly Rissman

Police reopens Interstate-75

04:46 , Namita Singh

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.

Days after another mass shooting

05:00 , Kelly Rissman

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:

What we know about the Apalachee High School shooting that left four dead in Georgia

Where is London, Kentucky?

05:02 , Namita Singh

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.

What has happened so far

05:14 , Namita Singh

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.

Injury update: Shooting victims receive treatment

05:16 , Namita Singh

According to hospital officials, the individuals injured in the shooting incident are receiving medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries.

Saint Joseph London, a local hospital, has confirmed that it is treating multiple patients for minor injuries.

Meanwhile, two other patients have been transported to the University of Kentucky’s Albert B Chandler Hospital, where their conditions are currently unknown.

Kentucky shooter at large after wounding seven along highway

05:45 , Namita Singh

Kentucky police were searching rugged terrain near a national forest for a suspect after at least seven people were wounded by gunfire while driving down the rural stretch of an interstate highway, officials said on Saturday evening.

The incident began just before 6pm about 14km outside of the town of London, when officers responded to reports of gunshots directed at vehicles traveling on Interstate 75 in Laurel County. The shots came from a wooded area or an overpass, according to local media reports.

London mayor urges residents to 'keep your doors locked' as search for suspect continues

06:15 , Namita Singh

Mayor Randall Weddle of London, asked everyone in the area to “keep your doors locked while this guy is on the loose”.

In a video statement, Mr 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,” he added.

Shooting comes days after two teacher killed in Georgia high school

06:45 , Namita Singh

The shooting in London comes days after two students and two teachers were killed, and nine others wounded, at a high school in Winder, Georgia high school.

A 14-year-old student and his father, suspected of giving his son access to the gun used in the shooting, were charged in the shootings, which took place soon after the school year opened.

Police names ‘person of interest’

07:15 , Namita Singh

About three hours after the shooting, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office named a “person of interest” who it said was “armed and dangerous” and cautioned the public not to approach the 32-year-old man.

“The suspect has not been caught at this time and we are urging people to stay inside,” Trooper Scottie Pennington of the Kentucky State Police wrote on Facebook.

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called to assist the state police and local law enforcement, the federal agency posted on X, calling it a “critical incident”.

London mayor calls for unity and love after shooting

07:45 , Namita Singh

London mayor Randall Weddle urged unity and love in the face of violence, saying, “this is the time that we come together as a community... and learn that it’s important to love one another”.

He emphasised the strength of the community, adding, “I know that we will get through this, and we’ll get through this together”.

Heavy police presence in Laurel County as search for shooter intensifies

08:15 , Namita Singh

State lawmakers from Laurel County urged residents in the area to stay home as police continued to search for the shooter.

“Without a doubt, this is an act of senseless violence that does not reflect the values of this community, our Commonwealth, or its people,” they said in a statement.

A “heavy presence of police and fire personnel” was on the scene and “working diligently to address the situation,” the Mount Vernon Fire Department said in a statement.

The interstate was closed 14km north of London but reopened about three hours later, according to the sheriff’s office.

In a video update on Facebook late Saturday night, mayor Randall Weddle tried to calm fears as the search continued for the gunman. He urged residents to call 911 if they hear or see anything suspicious near their homes.

End of coverage

18:10 , Graig Graziosi

Thanks for reading The Independent’s ongoing coverage of the manhunt for Joseph Couch.

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