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Suspect at large after 5 people shot on I-75 in Laurel County, Kentucky

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The suspect and people waiting in traffic (Credit: Cyndie Taylor Offutt)

A gunman has opened fire along Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky, hitting multiple vehicles and injuring at least five people, according to witnesses and local officials. The suspect, believed to be a 32-year-old man, is still at large.

The incident began just after 5:30 p.m. on Saturday when the suspect opened fire from an elevated position near Exit 49 on Interstate 75, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of London in Laurel County.

“Arriving deputies found nine vehicles had been shot into both north and south bound on I-75 and five persons were seriously injured,” the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. London Mayor Randall Weddle said three other people suffered injuries in car crashes caused by the shooting.

“The victims have been shot through the windshields,” dispatch reported.

Police have identified the suspect as 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch, of Woodbine, Kentucky. “This individual is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached. 911 should be called,” the sheriff’s office said.

A possible motive for the shooting was not immediately known.

“As we continue to learn more about this attack, we ask for prayers for everyone involved, the victims, their families, and the first responders,” Laurel County legislators said in a joint statement. “Without a doubt, this is an act of senseless violence that does not reflect the values of this community, our Commonwealth, or its people.”

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said he was receiving updates from Kentucky State Police and the state’s Office of Homeland Security. “Please pray for everyone involved,” he said.

Credit: Laurel County Sheriff’s Office
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