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An active shooter — identified as Joseph A Couch, 32 — is at large after opening fire near near I-75 in Kentucky, striking multiple people, according to authorities.
Authorities are in search of a Couch, considered a “person of interest” in a shooting that broke out just after 6.30pm 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.”
Heavy police presence in Laurel County as search for shooter intensifies
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.
London mayor calls for unity and love after shooting
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”.
Police names ‘person of interest’
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”.
Shooting comes days after two teacher killed in Georgia high school
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.
London mayor urges residents to ‘keep your doors locked’ as search for suspect continues
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.
Kentucky shooter at large after wounding seven along highway
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.
Injury update: Shooting victims receive treatment
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.
What has happened so far
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.
Where is London, Kentucky?
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.
Days after another mass shooting
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:
Source: independent.co.uk
