A manhunt is ongoing for the second day in Kentucky following a highway shooting near the city of London on Saturday. Multiple people were shot, prompting a search for the suspect.
Authorities believe the attacker is hiding in a remote, rugged area about 9 miles (14 km) from London in southeastern Kentucky. On Sunday, police identified Joseph A. Couch, 32, from Woodbine, Kentucky, as a person of interest. He is considered armed and dangerous.
The incident began around 5:30 p.m. local time (21:30 GMT) when police responded to reports of gunfire along Interstate 75. Upon arrival, officers discovered that nine vehicles had been shot at while traveling in both directions.
Due to the danger posed to passing cars, the highway was shut down for several hours. Five people were shot, some suffering severe injuries. One victim was shot in the face, though all were in stable condition as of Sunday morning.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office is leading a ground search with the help of drones, but officials say the thick woods in the area have made progress slow. “It’s one of the most remote exits on I-75,” said Deputy Gilbert Acciardo during a Sunday afternoon briefing. “It’s a big task. We want to get him before it gets dark again.”
Police recovered an assault-style firearm they believe was used in the attack. Mr. Couch’s silver SUV was also found Saturday night with a gun case inside, but no weapon was present.
Authorities initially believe the shots may have been fired from a wooded area near the highway or an overpass. According to Deputy Acciardo, when police first arrived at the scene, it was chaotic, with emergency lights flashing and vehicles riddled with bullet holes.
A motive for the shooting has not yet been determined.
London, Kentucky, Mayor Randall Weddle urged residents to be cautious, lock their doors, and remain vigilant, although he assured them they were not in immediate danger. The town, located near the Daniel Boone National Forest, has about 8,000 residents. The search area has been described as rugged and challenging.
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Christina DiNoto, a driver on I-75 at the time of the shooting, recalled hearing what she initially thought was a rock hitting her car. “It hurt my ear,” she said. Only later did she realize a gunshot had shattered her window.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also called for prayers and advised the public to avoid the area.
