Police warn that the suspect, still at large, is considered “armed and dangerous,” and are advising residents to stay indoors after the shooting damaged nine vehicles.
A manhunt is currently underway in Kentucky following a terrifying shooting incident on a highway that left at least seven people injured. The gunman, who remains on the loose, targeted cars traveling near the small city of London, about 75 miles south of Lexington, around 5:30 PM local time on Saturday. The chaos that ensued has been described as “a madhouse” by authorities.
Deputy Gilbert Acciardo of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office provided a harrowing account of the scene during a press conference on Sunday. “When our first two units arrived, they described it as a madhouse—people on the side of the road, emergency flashers going, bullet holes, windows shattered, and nine vehicles hit,” Acciardo said. The violence resulted in five individuals being shot, all of whom are currently in stable condition. However, some of the victims have sustained “very serious” injuries, including one person who was struck in the face. Additionally, two other individuals were injured in a crash that occurred as a direct result of the shooting.
The police response involved a search of a remote wooded area near the scene, which was halted overnight due to darkness but is set to resume at dawn on Sunday. “We have the area contained right now,” Acciardo confirmed. “It’s a very fluid investigation. Our special response team is on-site, and we are working diligently to locate the shooter.”
Authorities have identified a “person of interest” in connection with the shooting, named as 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch. Despite this, they have emphasized that Couch has not yet been confirmed as the shooter. The sheriff’s office has issued a warning to the public, advising them not to approach Couch if they see him.
London Mayor Randall Weddle provided a brief update, assuring residents that there have been no fatalities. “Thankfully, no one was killed in this incident, but we continue to pray for those affected,” he stated in a video message. Weddle also urged residents to remain indoors and avoid any potentially dangerous behavior that could interfere with ongoing police operations.
Trooper Scottie Pennington of the Kentucky State Police echoed the call for public safety on social media. “The suspect has not been apprehended at this time, and we are urging everyone to stay inside,” Pennington wrote on Facebook.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also addressed the situation through social media, stating, “I am receiving initial reports from the Kentucky State Police and our Office of Homeland Security. We are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible. Please pray for everyone involved.”
The highway, which had been closed for about three hours north of London following the shooting, has since been reopened. The incident has prompted a significant law enforcement response and has left the community on high alert as authorities continue their search for the suspect.
The shooting has shocked local residents and has drawn attention from state and national officials. The ongoing investigation is expected to provide more information as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the attack and locate the individual responsible
