The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office has identified Joseph A. Couch as the person of interest in a shooting incident, cautioning that he is ‘considered armed and dangerous.’
A manhunt is currently underway in Laurel County, Kentucky, following reports of multiple individuals being shot in a traffic altercation near Interstate-75, approximately nine miles north of London. The shooting took place shortly before 6 p.m., with no information available on casualties.
Authorities provided a description of Couch as “a 32-year-old white male approximately 5’10, weighing around 154lbs.”
“If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this individual, please contact the London-Laurel County 911 Center by dialing 911 or 606-878-7000. ***DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPROACH***”
Prior to this, the Interstate-75 had been shut down in both directions by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department due to an “active shooter situation” close to Exit 49 and the US 25.
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The closure of I-75 extended from Exit 41 to 61, with the US 25 and KY 909 also being shut down, and drivers advised to steer clear of the area and find alternative routes.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged individuals to avoid the vicinity for their safety.
“I am receiving preliminary reports from the Kentucky State Police and our Office of Homeland Security—jointly we are actively monitoring the situation and providing assistance in any way possible. Please keep everyone involved in your prayers,” he shared on social media.
“The timeline for reopening the interstate is currently uncertain. Please continue to avoid the area, utilize alternate routes, and adhere to detour signs and instructions from authorities,” they stated.
At 9 p.m., they additionally cautioned to “expect heavy traffic and delays” on detour routes and to avoid the area if feasible.
Reuters contributed to this report.
