Kentucky shooting: Fugitive suspect still at large after seven hurt in highway shooting
Authorities urged locals to avoid the interstate highway as the shooter is still at large
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A mass shooter — identified as Joseph A Couch, 32 — was at large after opening fire near near I-75 in Kentucky, striking multiple people, according to authorities.
Authorities searched for Couch, considered a “person of interest” in a shooting that broke out just after 6.30pm on Saturday near the interstate highway — nine miles north of London, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Although authorities initially closed I-75 at Exit 49 and US 25 due to an “active shooter situation,” at around 9.20pm, the sheriff’s office announced that the highway had reopened in both directions.
Officials warned against approaching him, as he is considered “armed and dangerous”.
He has not yet been apprehended, according to London Mayor Randall Weddle.
Seven people were injured — not all from gunshot wounds — and none have died as a result of the incident, the mayor said. Others were injured from an accident. The victims have not yet been identified and their conditions have not been released.
Governor Andy Beshear urged locals to avoid the area in a post on X: “Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County. Law enforcement has shut the interstate down in both directions at exit 49. Please avoid the area. We will provide more details once they are available.”
London mayor urges residents to 'keep your doors locked' as search for suspect continues
Mayor Randall Weddle of London, asked everyone in the area to “keep your doors locked while this guy is on the loose”.
In a video statement, Mr 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,” he added.
Shooting comes days after two teacher killed in Georgia high school
The shooting in London comes days after two students and two teachers were killed, and nine others wounded, at a high school in Winder, Georgia high school.
A 14-year-old student and his father, suspected of giving his son access to the gun used in the shooting, were charged in the shootings, which took place soon after the school year opened.
Police names ‘person of interest’
About three hours after the shooting, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office named a “person of interest” who it said was “armed and dangerous” and cautioned the public not to approach the 32-year-old man.
“The suspect has not been caught at this time and we are urging people to stay inside,” Trooper Scottie Pennington of the Kentucky State Police wrote on Facebook.
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called to assist the state police and local law enforcement, the federal agency posted on X, calling it a “critical incident”.
London mayor calls for unity and love after shooting
London mayor Randall Weddle urged unity and love in the face of violence, saying, “this is the time that we come together as a community... and learn that it’s important to love one another”.
He emphasised the strength of the community, adding, “I know that we will get through this, and we’ll get through this together”.
Heavy police presence in Laurel County as search for shooter intensifies
State lawmakers from Laurel County urged residents in the area to stay home as police continued to search for the shooter.
“Without a doubt, this is an act of senseless violence that does not reflect the values of this community, our Commonwealth, or its people,” they said in a statement.
A “heavy presence of police and fire personnel” was on the scene and “working diligently to address the situation,” the Mount Vernon Fire Department said in a statement.
The interstate was closed 14km north of London but reopened about three hours later, according to the sheriff’s office.
In a video update on Facebook late Saturday night, mayor Randall Weddle tried to calm fears as the search continued for the gunman. He urged residents to call 911 if they hear or see anything suspicious near their homes.
End of coverage
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