Active shooter on Kentucky's I-75: multiple shot, person of interest identified

Kentucky officials posted on social media Saturday night that an "active shooter situation" and a "critical incident" were taking place along I-75.

The Laurel County Sheriff's Office said in a post on Facebook around 6:45 p.m. local time that it was an "active shooter situation" and "numerous persons" were shot near the highway. It added that the interstate was closed 9 miles north of London.

In a video statement, London Mayor Randall Weddle said he was told seven people were hurt, but not all of those were wounded by gunfire. Some of the victims were injured in a vehicle accident, he said.

"There are no deceased at this time. No one was killed from this, thankfully, but we ask that you continue to pray," Weddle said.

The sheriff’s office also identified a person of interest in connection with the shooting, saying he should be considered armed and dangerous and people should not approach him. 

The man’s name was given as Joseph A. Couch, a 32-year-old white male, and anyone with information about his location was urged to call the county 911 center.

Authorities were still looking for him Sunday morning. 

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

Crime and Public SafetyKentucky