A section of highway in southern Kentucky was closed Saturday night following multiple shootings near Interstate 75, according to officials. The incident led authorities to close I-75 at Exit 49 and US 25, located nine miles north of London.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert at 5:36 pm on Facebook following the incident. They informed the public of the highway’s closure and the ongoing search for the suspect.The Kentucky State Police reiterated the warning, advising residents to stay indoors as the suspect had not been apprehended by 6:04 pm.
The sheriff’s office later released a photo of Joseph Couch, a person of interest, and warned that he should be considered “armed and dangerous.”
“The below individual, Joseph A. Couch, is a Person of Interest in the shooting that occurred at the Exit 49/KY-909 area. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts or location on this individual please contact the London-Laurel County 911 Center by calling 911 or 606-878-7000,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook.

Governor Andy Beshear also addressed the unfolding situation on Facebook. He wrote, “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.”

He continued, “I am receiving initial reports from the Kentucky State Police and our Office of Homeland Security — together we are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible. Please pray for everyone involved.”
The authorities are continuing their efforts to locate the suspect and ensure public safety. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.