Kentucky shooting: Fugitive suspect still at large after seven hurt in highway shooting

A mass shooter — identified as Joseph A Couch, 32 — was at large after opening fire near near I-75 in Kentucky , striking multiple people, according to authorities.

Authorities searched for Couch, considered a “person of interest” in a shooting that broke out just after 6.30pm on Saturday near the interstate highway — nine miles north of London, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office announced.

Although authorities initially closed I-75 at Exit 49 and US 25 due to an “active shooter situation,” at around 9.20pm, the sheriff’s office announced that the highway had reopened in both directions.

Officials warned against approaching him, as he is considered “armed and dangerous”.

He has not yet been apprehended, according to London Mayor Randall Weddle.

Seven people were injured — not all from gunshot wounds — and none have died as a result of the incident, the mayor said. Others were injured from an accident. The victims have not yet been identified and their conditions have not been released.

Governor Andy Beshear urged locals to avoid the area in a post on X: “Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County. Law enforcement has shut the interstate down in both directions at exit 49. Please avoid the area. We will provide more details once they are available.”