LONDON, KY – Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a gunshot victim complaint on I–75 at exit 49 approximately 8 miles north of London on Saturday afternoon September 7, 2024 at approximately 5:30 PM.
Arriving deputies found nine vehicles had been shot into both north and southbound on I-75 and five persons were seriously injured. Deputies on scene transported injured to a local hospital for treatment.
Other Sheriff's deputies along with the Sheriff's Office Special Response Team along with London City Police and Kentucky State Police arrived at the scene to secure the scene. I–75 was closed for several hours for safety reasons because of the danger to passing cars in the area of the shootings.
An investigation began and a lead was developed on a person of interest and the search for this person of interest is continuing. He is identified as:
Joseph A. Couch, age 32, of Woodbine, KY described as 5'10" and weighing approximately 154 pounds. This individual is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached. 911 should be called.
The scene is being contained overnight and an active search and the continuing investigation will occur at daybreak on Sunday morning.
Agencies assisting included: London City Police, Kentucky State Police, Corbin City Police, Williamsburg City Police, Richmond City Police, FBI, US Marshal Service, ATF, Lexington Metro, Rockcastle County Sheriff's Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, East Bernstadt Fire and Rescue, London Fire Department, London – Laurel County Rescue Squad, Laurel County Emergency Management, and numerous area Fire Departrments.
