A man who allegedly shot and killed at least five people near Interstate 75 in Kentucky late Saturday remains at large.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the scene after reports of a shooting victim about eight miles north of London. According to Facebook post from the Laurel County Sheriff's Office (LCSO).
According to the sheriff's office, deputies found nine vehicles struck by gunfire.
Metropolitan police spokesman Lieutenant Gilbert Acciardo said at a press conference on Sunday that five victims suffered “serious injuries,” including one who was shot in the face. CBS News Reported.
“When our first two units arrived on scene, they said it was chaos out there. There were people on both sides of the road, emergency lights on, bullet holes, windows shot out, nine cars shot up. Can you imagine that? Just chaos,” Acciardo said.
A mass shooting has occurred in Kentucky, and reports suggest the shooter may be hiding in the woods and using a sniper to randomly target cars and people.
Police radios are picking up chatter about multiple shooters and the highway is completely blocked off… pic.twitter.com/esAiBTzNTp
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) September 7, 2024
Some police officers helped transport the victim to hospital while other officers secured the scene and searched for the suspect, LSCO said on Facebook. The investigation is expected to resume early Sunday morning.
The suspect has been identified as Joseph A. Couch, a 32-year-old white male from Woodbridge, Ky. The sheriff's office said the “armed and dangerous” fugitive is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 154 pounds. (RELATED: NFL wide receiver shot during attempted robbery)
LSCO noted that the highway remained closed for several hours after the accident because it was deemed a safety risk to passing vehicles.
Kentucky's Democratic governor, Andy Beshear, responded on social media about an hour after the shooting.
“We are aware of a shooting on Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky. Police have closed Interstate 49 exit in both directions. Please do not approach the area. We will provide more information as it becomes available,” Gov. Beshear wrote.
We are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County, Kentucky. Police have closed Interstate 49 exit in both directions. Please avoid the area. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) September 7, 2024
“We are receiving initial reports from Kentucky State Police and Homeland Security. Together, we are actively monitoring the situation and providing any assistance we can. Please pray for all involved,” Gov. Beshear added.
