Kentucky police identify subject of manhunt after ‘numerous’ people shot on highway

Police are searching the woods near Interstate 75 just north of London, Kentucky, after “numerous individuals” were shot on the highway near Exit 49 around 6 p.m., officials confirmed Saturday night.

Joseph A. Couch, 32, one of the suspects in the shooting, is considered armed and dangerous, police said.

“If you have any information regarding the whereabouts or location of this individual, please contact the London-Laurel County 911 Center by calling 911 or 606-878-7000,” London police said.

The department warned that Couch should not be approached. He is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing approximately 154 pounds.

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Joseph A Couch is a suspect in the shooting. (London Police)

London Mayor Randall Weddle said in an update that he had been told seven people were injured in the shooting, but not everyone had been shot.

“Some of the victims were killed in an accident,” he said. No deaths have been reported yet.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said the highway was closed at the exit, which is nine miles north of London.

The police initially responded to reports that a suspect was shooting at motorists from a viaduct or a wooded area, according to several media reports.

Officials advised people to avoid the area. (Laurel County Sheriff’s Office)

London, about 80 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky, has a population of about 7,600.

According to FOX 56, police officers will be escorting ambulances in and out of the area to transport victims of the shooting to hospitals. A police helicopter is also on call.

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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear advised people to avoid the area.

The highway is closed between several exits. (WDKY)

“Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County,” Beshear said. “Police have closed the freeway in both directions at Exit 49. Stay away from the area. We will provide more details as they become available.”

The governor said he was receiving updates from the Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. “We are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way we can. Please keep everyone involved in our prayers,” he wrote.

The freeway was closed between exits 41 and 59, FOX 56 reported, citing the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Weddle added that all emergency responders on the scene are safe and that both Governor Beshear’s office and the White House have been reached out to provide support.

“Pray for our emergency workers,” he said.

“It’s a rough terrain with a lot of trees,” the mayor added about the search for the suspect.

He said residents should be “vigilant” as police search for Couch. “I’m not asking anyone to panic, there’s no immediate danger here in the city, but again… we’re asking everyone to be safe.”

London, Kentucky, has a population of approximately 7,600. (Fox News)

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Of the response from agencies in surrounding communities, he said, “It just shows you what a great state we live in, what a great community we live in, and what great residents we have who are asking, ‘What can we do?'”