Urgent Search Underway for Suspect in Southeastern Kentucky Shooting

Authorities in southeastern Kentucky are actively searching for Joseph A. Couch, a 32-year-old man from Woodbine, Kentucky, who is considered a “person of interest” in a violent shooting incident that unfolded on Saturday night. The shooting, which took place near Interstate 75, resulted in at least seven people being injured and a subsequent vehicle crash.

The London Police Department has issued a call for assistance from the public in locating Couch, who is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 154 pounds. Authorities have warned that Couch is considered “armed and dangerous,” advising the public not to approach him.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were called to the scene at I-75, near exit 49, around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, they encountered a chaotic situation involving nine vehicles that had been struck by gunfire. Five individuals sustained serious injuries from the shooting, while two others were hurt in the resulting vehicle crash.

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo described the scene as “a madhouse,” with emergency flashers and bullet-riddled vehicles creating a chaotic environment. “It was a nightmare,” Acciardo said, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Investigation and Search Efforts

London Mayor Randall Weddle confirmed that investigators were able to identify Couch after his vehicle was found at the scene. The Knox County Sheriff’s Department has indicated that Couch is heavily armed, with multiple rounds of ammunition, and has shared a mug shot from a previous arrest.

I-75 was closed for several hours as law enforcement and Kentucky State Police worked to secure the area and search for Couch. Despite these efforts, as of the latest update, Couch had not been apprehended. The search will continue at daybreak, with up to 13 different agencies involved in the investigation.

Mayor Weddle urged residents to remain vigilant and stay home if possible, emphasizing the importance of community safety. “We want individuals to be vigilant if they have to be out tonight,” he said. “I am confident that Couch will be found soon.”

Deputy Acciardo noted that while an area has been contained and searches are ongoing, authorities have yet to definitively determine that Couch is the individual who fired the weapon. Searches are set to resume in a remote, wooded area of Laurel County on Sunday morning.