LONDON, Ky. — Authorities are conducting an intense search in a rugged area of southeastern Kentucky for a man linked to a frightening incident on Saturday that involved the shooting of nine vehicles and injuries to five individuals on Interstate 75.
While they have not officially named him as a suspect, 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch is considered a “person of interest” as operations continue in a remote area north of London, a community of approximately 8,000 residents located about 75 miles south of Lexington.
“We’re determined to find this individual,” stated Deputy Gilbert Acciardo from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office during a press briefing.
Couch is described as armed and dangerous, prompting authorities to warn the public to avoid approaching him if spotted. Acciardo noted that law enforcement received a significant lead that directed their focus toward Couch, although he did not provide further details.
The alarming sequence of events began around 5:30 p.m. Saturday when reports of gunfire surfaced along the highway near exit 49. Investigators revealed that an individual fired multiple rounds into both northbound and southbound lanes, striking nine vehicles and injuring five people. Notably, the shooter was on foot during the incident.
Acciardo recounted the chaotic scene: “When our first two units arrived, they described it as a madhouse: people lining the road, emergency flashers activated, and visible bullet damage to the vehicles. It was absolute chaos.”
As of early Sunday, the injured individuals were reported to be in stable condition, although some sustained serious injuries, including one person shot in the face.
Residents throughout Laurel County expressed concern as authorities searched the wooded area near the highway, which features limited businesses and homes. The London Laurel Rescue squad deployed a drone for assistance in the operation, and local lawmakers advised people in the vicinity to remain indoors during the search.
Acciardo reported a surge of calls from anxious community members regarding the situation. “This remote area is quiet; if he intended to target a location, it’s an ideal spot for such acts,” he commented.
Rodney Goodlett, a local pastor, was seen directing traffic outside Faith Assembly of God on Sunday morning as parishioners gathered for services. He anticipated a drop in attendance due to residents’ fears over the ongoing search for the suspect.
“It’s only natural that some people would be hesitant to attend with the suspect still unaccounted for,” Goodlett remarked, adding that the congregation would pray for the community, victims, and first responders.
“This is a tragic situation—random acts of violence are devastating,” he said, reflecting on the broader implications of such events striking close to home.
Authorities currently believe one shooter was involved and have ruled out road rage as a motive. While a photo of Couch has been circulated as a warning to residents, Acciardo emphasized that it has not been confirmed he is the person who discharged the weapon.
“We have secured the area, and the investigation remains active. Our special response team continues to search for the shooter,” he stated.
The search poses significant risks for first responders, given the dense foliage and difficult terrain. “The wooded area is challenging, and he could be concealing himself in a myriad of locations,” Acciardo added.
In a recent video update, London’s Mayor urged residents to report any suspicious activity to authorities while imploring them to stay indoors during this critical time.
“We are aware of the general area where the suspect may be located, although we cannot disclose specifics for safety reasons,” the Mayor stated.
Kentucky’s Governor also confirmed that local law enforcement and security agencies are collaborating closely to monitor the situation and provide support as needed. “Please keep everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers,” the Governor concluded.
