Overview of the Incident
A dramatic manhunt is currently underway in Kentucky after a shooter targeted vehicles on an interstate, leaving at least seven people injured. The shooting took place on Interstate-75 near the city of London, about 75 miles south of Lexington, around 5:30 p.m. local time on Saturday. Authorities have described the scene as “chaotic,” with nine vehicles hit by gunfire.
Suspect and Investigation
Joseph A. Couch, 32, has been named as the suspect, who is still at large. He is regarded as “armed and dangerous,” and people are advised not to approach him. Police have not yet verified if Couch is the shooter, despite the fact that he has been identified as a person of interest. The investigation is still on and is being conducted by a number of federal, state, and local agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals, and the FBI.
Deputy Gilbert Acciardo of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office described the initial response as a “madhouse,” with emergency responders encountering numerous vehicles with bullet holes and shattered windows. Five people were injured by gunfire and are in stable condition, though some have sustained serious injuries, including one individual who was shot in the face. Additionally, two others were hurt in a crash linked to the shooting.
Response and Public Safety
In response to the shooting, local authorities have contained the affected area and are conducting searches in rugged terrain. The search was temporarily halted overnight due to darkness but resumed at daybreak. The highway where the shooting occurred was closed for several hours but has since reopened.
London Mayor Randall Weddle has urged residents to remain indoors and avoid shooting outside, as first responders may be in the area. He emphasized the importance of public safety and reassured the community that multiple agencies are working to resolve the situation.
Eyewitness Accounts
The chaos of the shooting was vividly recounted by Christina DiNoto, who was traveling on Interstate-75 when the incident occurred. DiNoto described hearing a loud noise and experiencing what felt like a rock hitting her back window. Initially uncertain about the nature of the noise, she and her friend were later informed about the shooting. Despite the scare, DiNoto considers herself fortunate, noting that her car had what appeared to be paint scrapes but no significant damage.
Community Impact and Governor’s Statement
The shooting has injected significant turmoil into the local community, coming shortly after another mass shooting incident in Winder, Georgia, and a similar event in the Seattle area. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has expressed support for those affected and reassured the public that state and local agencies are actively monitoring the situation. He called for prayers for everyone involved and emphasized the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting and are focusing on finding the suspect. The public is advised to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911, rather than attempting to investigate or intervene themselves.
The manhunt for the armed suspect continues as the investigation unfolds. With the safety of the community at the forefront, officials urge residents to remain cautious and informed as they work to apprehend the individual responsible for this unsettling incident.
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