Residents are being advised to stay vigilant as authorities continue the manhunt for an “armed and dangerous” person of interest linked to a shooting that injured five people Saturday on an interstate in Laurel County, Kentucky.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office reported that nine vehicles were shot into on both north and southbound lanes of Interstate 75 around 5:30 p.m., with five individuals hit by gunfire. All victims are in stable condition, according to sheriff's spokesperson Gilbert Acciardo.
Joseph A. Couch has been identified as a person of interest. He is described as a White male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 154 pounds.
London Mayor Randall Weddle stated that authorities have a general idea of where Couch might be but did not provide further details. He mentioned that the search is taking place in “rugged terrain and a lot of tree lines,” which could complicate efforts.
The motive behind the shooting is still unclear. The sheriff’s office noted that the investigation began with a lead on the person of interest, and the search is ongoing.
The area around the shooting has been secured overnight, with an active search and continued investigation planned for Sunday morning. The interstate was closed for hours due to safety concerns, and the FBI, US Marshal Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in the multi-agency search.
Authorities are advising residents to stay indoors and remain alert as the search for the suspect continues.
“If you hear something outside your home, please do not go outside to investigate,” Mayor Weddle said. “Our officers or first responders could be in the area. Instead, call 911.”
The gun violence disrupted Saturday’s commute, coming shortly after a mass shooting at a high school in Winder, Georgia, which left four dead and nine hospitalized, and less than a week after a shooting spree in the Seattle area injured six people.
“Kentucky State Police and our Office of Homeland Security are actively monitoring the situation and providing support,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. “Please keep everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers.”
Drivers recount their harrowing experiences
Christina DiNoto, who was driving with a friend from Rochester, New York, to Knoxville, Tennessee, shared her intense experience of the shooting during an interview with CNN.
As they approached London, DiNoto described hearing a “loud noise.”
“We were driving along when suddenly it felt like a rock hit my back window, and it hurt my ear,” DiNoto recounted. “We looked at each other and wondered, ‘Was that a gunshot?’ But we quickly dismissed it.”
DiNoto noticed a truck beside them slow down and pull over to the shoulder, initially thinking they might have had a tire blowout. They saw several police cars speeding by and noticed numerous tires on the side of the interstate.
It wasn’t until about an hour and a half later that DiNoto and her friend learned about the shooting. Upon arriving at a friend’s house, DiNoto saw what looked like paint scrapes on the back of her car.
“My hands are still shaking,” DiNoto said, expressing her relief and gratitude for their safety.