Manhunt Launched After Five Injured in Kentucky Highway Shooting

A manhunt is currently underway in southeastern Kentucky following a shooting incident that left five people injured near Interstate 75. Authorities have identified 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch as a person of interest in the case.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office has stated that while they cannot yet officially name Couch as a suspect, he is the focus of their search efforts in a remote area just north of London, a small community approximately 75 miles south of Lexington.

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, reassured reporters that law enforcement is committed to locating Couch. “We’re going to go in and we’re going to find this guy,” he asserted.

The series of shootings took place around 5 p.m. on Saturday. According to the sheriff’s office, multiple victims were shot near the highway, resulting in chaos. When troopers responded to the scene, they encountered numerous vehicles damaged by gunfire.

Acciardo described a scene of confusion and panic: “When our first two units got to the scene, they said it was a madhouse: people on the sides of the road, emergency flashers going, bullet holes, windows shot out. Can you imagine that? Just chaotic,” he recounted during a news conference.

A total of five individuals were shot, and although all are reported to be in stable condition, some of them suffered severe injuries, including one person who was shot in the face and another whose arm sustained serious damage.

Medical professionals at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington confirmed they received at least two patients from this violent incident.

Authorities have indicated that they do not believe the shooter targeted specific individuals. Instead, it appears the location was chosen at random.

Law enforcement officials have labeled Couch as armed and dangerous, urging the public to avoid approaching him if spotted. Acciardo mentioned that police received a “lucky break” in their investigation that enabled them to focus on Couch, though he could not disclose further details at this time.

On Saturday night, authorities located a silver SUV registered to Couch, discovering a rifle case inside. By Sunday, an “AR rifle” had also been located near the vehicle. Despite recovering that firearm, authorities expressed concern that Couch may still possess another weapon.

In an attempt to alleviate public fears, London Mayor Randall Weddle made a statement on Facebook encouraging residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to 911. He cautioned against taking personal weapons outside, assuring that multiple law enforcement agencies are actively working to secure the area.

Officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms have also joined local and state police in responding to what has been deemed a “critical incident” near I-75.

As the search for Couch continues, community members are feeling the impact of the violence. Rodney Goodlett, pastor at Faith Assembly of God in London, mentioned that attendance at Sunday services was expected to be lower due to the ongoing threat.

“There are definitely people that probably won’t be here today—just nervous with the suspect still at large,” Goodlett noted, adding that the congregation planned to pray for the community, the victims, and the first responders involved.

This shocking event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of violence, even in smaller towns. “This is tragic, obviously, that somebody would randomly do violent acts. You hear media things taking place all around our country, but then when it hits home, it’s a little bit of a wake-up call,” Goodlett stated.

Authorities believe that only one individual was responsible for the shootings and do not suspect road rage as a motive. While a photo of Couch has been released, deputies have stressed that they are still determining the facts surrounding the case.

“We do have the area contained right now. It’s a very fluid investigation,” Acciardo remarked, noting that ongoing searches are complicated by dense vegetation in the area, which could provide hiding spots for the suspect.

The community anxiously awaits a resolution as law enforcement continues their efforts. “We’re just hoping for a good resolution,” Acciardo concluded.