Kentucky State Police spokesman Scottie Pennington informed local media that “four to six people had been shot.” Local news station WYMT reported that there were “multiple severe injuries” but no confirmed fatalities at this time.
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.”
Efforts to locate the suspect and ensure public safety are ongoing.
This shooting follows another tragic incident in Georgia, where two students and two teachers were killed in a school shooting. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder, while his father, who allegedly purchased the gun for him as a gift, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder.