Search continues for person of interest in Kentucky highway shooting — the latest

On Saturday night, a shooting near a Kentucky highway left five people seriously injured, and police searching for the person responsible, local authorities shared.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office shared in a statement that they have named a person of interest, warning the public to stay away as he is considered “armed and dangerous.”

Joseph A. Couch, 32, was named as the person of interest, according to the Kentucky State Police and sheriff’s office. He is described as white, 5 feet 10 inches tall, and is listed as weighing around 154 pounds.

Deputies from the sheriff’s office arrived at the scene of the shooting on Interstate 75 just eight miles north of the small city of London, Kentucky.

“Deputies found nine vehicles had been shot into both north and south bound on I-75, and five persons were seriously injured,” the sheriff’s office said.

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo shared with reporters on Sunday that all five of those injured were expected to survive.

Acciardo also said that the search for the person of interest included 50 to 60 officers in the area and lasted until 3 a.m. on Sunday.

While Couch has not been named a suspect at this time, Acciardo said they were confident they would soon find him to continue the investigation.

“I just feel like we’re getting him today, I really do,” Deputy Acciardo said.

London Mayor Randall Weddle shared a video on Facebook commenting on the shooting, saying “thankfully” no one was killed.

Gov. Andy Beshear said on social media that he was aware of the situation and his office was monitoring.

“We are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible,” he said.

“We are devastated by the events that occurred along Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky Saturday night,” Saint Joseph London Hospital said in a statement, noting that it received “multiple patients” from the shooting.

Those who have information about Couch’s whereabouts are asked to contact the authorities immediately.

The investigation remains ongoing at this point.