Manhunt Continues for Highway Gunman Who Shot Five; ‘Road Rage’ Ruled Out

Authorities are actively searching for the gunman behind a mass shooting that injured five people and turned a Kentucky interstate into chaotic scenes on Saturday.

The incident took place on Interstate 75 around 5 PM local time, as reported by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators currently do not believe the shooting stemmed from road rage, and they have identified 32-year-old Joseph Couch as a person of interest in the case.

When deputies arrived at the scene near London, a small city about 75 miles south of Lexington, they discovered that nine vehicles had been struck by gunfire near Exit 49.

According to Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, who spoke during a press conference on Sunday, the scene was described as a “madhouse.” He noted, “People were on the sides of the road, emergency flashers were going off, and there were bullet holes and shattered windows everywhere. It was pure chaos.”

All five individuals who sustained injuries are now reported to be in stable condition; however, one victim has sustained “very serious” injuries, according to CBS News.

As the search intensified on Sunday, law enforcement discovered an AR-15 rifle abandoned in a dense wooded area near the interstate. Investigators believe this weapon was linked to the attack, according to Acciardo.

“Our commitment is strong, and we are determined to find this individual,” Acciardo said.

Numerous law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal Service, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, have joined the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office in the search efforts. They are utilizing drones and infrared technology to survey the area for any sign of Couch.

Deputies believe the shooter may not have been in a vehicle during the incident and have ruled out road rage as a factor.

As the investigation continues, authorities have yet to establish a motive for the shooting.

Residents in the vicinity of the incident have been advised to remain indoors and keep an eye out for anyone resembling Couch’s description. Authorities have described him as a Caucasian male, standing approximately 5’10” tall and weighing about 154 pounds.

Couch is regarded as “armed and dangerous,” and anyone who believes they may have seen him is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office has cautioned residents not to attempt to approach anyone they think may be Couch.

London Mayor Randall Weddle used Facebook to advise locals to stay inside and avoid taking vigilante actions that could compromise the ongoing investigation. “If you hear something outside your home, please do not go outside shooting,” Weddle warned. “Our officers might be in that area, along with first responders. Please call 911 instead.”