Laurel County, KY Shooting Incident: Five Injured, Suspect at Large, Local Schools Closed Amid Ongoing Investigation

Laurel County, KY – Update on Shooting Incident

Authorities in Laurel County, Kentucky are actively investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Saturday evening on Interstate 75. As of the latest updates, officials from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office have reported that all five victims injured in the shooting are currently stable and are not expected to die from their injuries. The shooting resulted in a total of 12 vehicles being struck by 20 to 30 gunshots.

Ongoing Search for Suspect

Law enforcement continues to search for Joseph A. Couch, a 32-year-old resident of Woodbine, KY, who is considered a person of interest in the case. Couch has a military background and is a former member of the National Guard. He is believed to still be in the woods near the scene of the shooting, which presents challenges for search teams due to the remote location.

According to Gilbert Acciardo of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, search crews are currently working layered, remote forest areas, and they plan to complete their search by nightfall. The Kentucky State Police have deployed K9 units, and a drone is assisting in the effort to locate Couch.

Details from the Scene

On Sunday, it was revealed that an AR-15 was found near the interstate, and it was purchased just a day before the shooting. A vehicle, described as a silver Honda CRV, was located but investigators indicated it was not close enough to the shooting scene for Couch to fire at the vehicles from where it was found. A gun case was also discovered near the area, raising more questions regarding Couch’s circumstances.

Currently, there is no evidence pointing to a clear motive for the shooting. Acciardo stated that Couch’s criminal history does not suggest he would be involved in such an act and that a previous charge for terroristic threatening had been dismissed. There are also concerns that Couch may be at risk of committing suicide.

Community Impact and School Closures

The incident has prompted several local school districts to cancel classes on Monday. Among the closures are Somerset Community College and KCEOC Community Action Partnership programs across multiple counties, ensuring that safety measures are taken throughout the area.

Mayor Randall Weddle of London has addressed the community, urging residents to stay away from the search area and let trained professionals handle the situation. “Stay home, let the first responders do their jobs. Don’t take things into your own hands,” he emphasized, reassuring the public about the response efforts.

Continued Monitoring of the Situation

As authorities continue to monitor the area throughout the night, it remains critical for the community to avoid the specific road closures linked to the incident. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has confirmed that necessary roads, including I-75 at exit 49, will remain closed until further notice as investigations proceed.

Community members are urged to report any possible information regarding Couch’s whereabouts to the London-Laurel County 911 Center. Officials confirmed that cooperation from the public can be essential in resolving this case. As the search for Couch intensifies, updates will continue to be shared with the public, ensuring transparency during this critical situation.

The community is watching closely as law enforcement works diligently to resolve the ongoing situation and ensure safety for all.