The search is on for a suspect involved in a highway shooting in Kentucky that left five people injured on Saturday night. The chaos unfolded on Interstate 75, where authorities are now on the lookout for 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch, whose vehicle and a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle were recovered from the scene.
The incident took place around 5:30 p.m. near exit 49, about eight miles from London, Kentucky. Gunfire struck nine vehicles, leading to injuries among seven individuals: five from gunshots and two from related accidents. Deputy Gilbert Acciardo of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office described the scene as “a madhouse,” with emergency lights flashing and bullet holes visible everywhere.
A manhunt involving over a dozen agencies is underway, employing drones, helicopters, and ground teams to search the rugged terrain where Couch is believed to be hiding. His abandoned SUV was found on a service road near the shooting area, and authorities have identified him as armed and extremely dangerous, describing him as a white male, standing about 5’10” and weighing 154 pounds.
Knox County Sheriff’s Office/Getty Images
City officials, including Mayor Randall Weddle, are urging residents to exercise caution and remain indoors. Some local businesses have closed or canceled services due to safety concerns, reflecting the community’s anxiety following the incident.
Questions surrounding the motive persist, with authorities stating that it does not appear to stem from road rage but rather as a random act of violence. As of now, the five victims, who are in stable condition, include one local and four from out of state, with one reportedly sustaining a serious facial injury.
I-75 was closed for several hours while law enforcement secured the area and gathered evidence. The FBI has joined the investigation, coordinating efforts with local authorities as they continue the manhunt for Couch.