London, Kentucky — Police were searching for a gunman early Sunday morning near Interstate 75 in rural southeastern Kentucky, authorities said, after a shooting and subsequent traffic accident left up to seven people injured.
The shooting began shortly after 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and multiple law enforcement agencies were searching for the suspect. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that it was an “active shooter situation” and that “numerous people” had been shot near the freeway.
London Mayor Randall Weddle said in a video statement that he had heard seven people had been injured, but not all of them were injured in the shooting. He said some of the victims were injured accidentally when the shooting began.
London is a small city of about 8,000 people, located about 75 miles (120 km) south of Lexington.
“There are no deaths at this time. Thankfully, no one has died as a result of this, but please continue to pray,” said Pastor Weddle.
St. Joseph London Hospital officials said in a statement that the facility is treating multiple patients, LEX 18 reported. The hospital added that the patients received had minor injuries. Jay Blanton, a spokesperson for the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, said two victims were hospitalized, but he did not have information on their conditions.
The sheriff’s office also announced that a “person of interest” has been identified in connection with the shooting, who is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by anyone. The man has been identified as Joseph A. Couch, a 32-year-old white male, and anyone with information about his location is urged to call the county 911 center.
State lawmakers in Laurel County are urging residents in the area to stay home as police continue to search for the shooter.
“Without a doubt, this is a senseless act of violence that does not reflect the values of this community, our commonwealth, or our people,” they said in a statement.
“A large police and fire presence is on scene,” the Mount Vernon Fire Department said in a statement, adding that they are “working diligently to address the situation.” They advised drivers to avoid I-75 and U.S. 25.
The highway was closed about 9 miles (14 kilometers) north of London, according to the sheriff’s office, but reopened about three hours later.
In a video update posted to Facebook late Saturday night, Weddle tried to calm fears as the search for the gunman continued. He urged residents to call 911 if they hear or see anything suspicious near their homes.
“We are asking people not to leave their homes because there may be emergency responders in the area. It’s important to know that you are safe. There are multiple agencies in the City of London and Laurel County,” Weddle said.
Weddle said the search party “has a general idea of the area where this individual is,” but did not provide specifics.
“We are receiving initial reports from the Kentucky State Police and the Department of Homeland Security. Together, we are actively monitoring the situation and providing assistance in any way we can,” Gov. Andy Besha said in a post to the social platform X. “Please pray for all involved.”
