LONDON, KY – Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a gunshot victim complaint on I–75 at exit 49 approximately 8 miles north of London on Saturday afternoon September 7, 2024 at approximately 5:30 PM.
Arriving deputies found nine vehicles had been shot into on both north and southbound lanes of I-75 and five persons were seriously injured. Deputies on scene transported the injured to a local hospital for treatment. Interstate 75 was shutdown for safety reasons until approximately 9:00 Saturday night.
During the investigation, a person of interest (left) was identified as: Joseph A. Couch, age 32, of Woodbine, KY, described as 5'10" and weighing approximately 154 pounds.
The Laurel County Sheriff's Office leading the investigation, with the aid of multiple other responding agencies began a ground search for the suspect. However the suspect evaded the police and was not located, the search was suspended with the scene being contained overnight until continuing the investigation early Sunday morning.
The ground search has now resumed coordinated by Laurel Sheriff's Office, assisted by numerous other law enforcement agencies. London Laurel Rescue squad is sending their drone that has Flir to assist on the search.
The public is reminded that the person of interest being sought, Joseph A. Couch, age 32, of Woodbine, KY is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached. 911 should be called.
NOTE: If anyone wants to donate food or water for the officers' search efforts on the shooter situation off exit 49, they can take the items to the emergency operation center located in London at 165 Sub Station Road, off McWhorter Street in London. The items will then be transported by Emergency Operations Center (EOC) personnel to the efforts at exit 49.
We appreciate everyone's support!!
That concludes this update.
More when made available.
