US: Multiple people shot along highway in Kentucky; manhunt underway
What's the story
A manhunt is currently underway following a shooting incident near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky, United States, on Saturday.
The gunman is believed to have opened fire around 6:00pm (local time) from either an overpass or a forested area along the I-75 freeway, about nine miles from the town of London, Kentucky.
According to London Mayor Randall Weddle, seven poeple were injured, but not all of them received gunshot wounds. Some of them were injured in a vehicle accident.
Suspect details
Suspect identified in Kentucky shooting
The London Police Department has identified 32-year-old Joseph Couch as a person of interest.
He is described as a white man, roughly 5 feet 10- inches tall, and weighing about 70 kg.
The police have warned the public that Couch should be considered armed and dangerous, advising them not to approach him.
They are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact their 911 call center immediately.
Road closure
Interstate 75 reopened after shooting incident
Interstate 75 was closed for approximately three hours from exit 41 to exit 59 in both directions due to the active shooting.
The Mount Vernon Fire Department reported a "heavy presence of police and fire personnel" at the scene, working diligently to address the situation.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Louisville also confirmed its officers were assisting Kentucky State Police and local authorities with this "critical incident."
Twitter Post
Suspect considered to be armed and dangerous
Joseph Couch allegedly purchased an AR-15 this morning with 2000 rounds. Now he is a person of interest in a shooting that occurred at the Exit 49/KY-909 area in Laurel County, Kentucky. This is an active manhunt. Suspect considered to be armed and dangerous. pic.twitter.com/KJU2Rj3Fc1
— Rose (@901Lulu) September 8, 2024
Witness account
Witness recounts harrowing experience on Interstate 75
A witness, Christina DiNoto, who was driving on Interstate 75 at the time of the shooting, shared her experience with CNN.
She recalled hearing a "loud noise" and seeing a truck pull off to the shoulder of the interstate.
It wasn't until about an hour and a half later that she learned about the shooting incident.
"My hands are still shaking," said DiNoto, expressing her relief at having narrowly escaped being caught up in the violence.
Public safety
London Mayor urges vigilance amid manhunt
London Mayor Weddle has urged residents to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings while the search for the suspect continues.
He noted that authorities are searching in "rugged terrain and a lot of tree lines," which may hamper their efforts.
"If you're home, keep your doors locked... There is no immediate danger here in the city but again, while these guys or this person is on the loose, we are asking everybody to be safe," he said.