‘Armed and dangerous’ gunman at large in Kentucky after ‘numerous people’ hit by gunfire near highway

In Kentucky, several people have been shot near Interstate 75 after a gunman opened fire and then fled into the woods.

Officials have launched an urgent manhunt near the town of London, Kentucky, to locate the suspect, identified by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office as Joseph A. Couch, 32.

Couch is described as a white male, approximately 5’10” tall and weighing 150 pounds. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Deputies told WYMT there were “multiple serious injuries.” The number of people shot is unclear and authorities have not commented on their conditions or whether there were any fatalities.

Early reports said a gunman had fired randomly at cars on the highway. A photo of the incident was shared on social media, showing the rear window of a vehicle smashed after it was hit by a bullet.

Multiple people were shot near Interstate 75 in Kentucky after a gunman opened fire and then fled into the woods

Authorities named Joseph A. Couch, 32, as a suspect in the shooting. He is described as a white male, approximately 5’10, 154lbs, and should be considered armed and dangerous

Early reports indicate that a gunman may have fired indiscriminately at cars on the highway. A photo of the incident shared on social media reportedly shows the rear window of a vehicle smashed after it was struck by a bullet.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on X that his office is “aware” of the active shooter situation and urged locals to “avoid the area.”

ATF agents have been dispatched to the area to assist in the search, along with Kentucky State Police, the agency said in a statement to X.

The suspect remains at large. Kentucky State Police Officer Scottie Pennington posted on social media that the shooter “has not been apprehended at this time.”

“We are urging people to stay indoors,” Pennington added.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office released this photo of police arriving at the scene

London, Kentucky Mayor Randall Weddle said on Facebook that people “should not be anywhere in that area” and warned motorists to seek alternate routes.

Drivers on I-75 reported heavy traffic in the area after police closed large portions of the freeway.

The Mount Vernon Fire Department has warned drivers in the area to expect “significant delays” as a result of the police presence on the highway.

This is a current news item and will be updated as more information becomes available.