Search resumes for suspect after shooting on I-75 in Laurel County

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is resuming a search in cooperation with multiple law enforcement agencies for 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch, who law enforcement named as a suspect after a shooting on I-75 on Saturday.

In a press conference around 7 p.m. Sunday, the LCSO said as many as 40 to 50 people were involved with law enforcement in the search for the suspect.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Multiple schools in the area announced that classes will not be held on Monday. A full list of schools that have canceled classes with updates can be found here .

“At present, we are allowing law enforcement agencies the time to do what they do best as we offer our thoughts and prayers for a quick and safe resolution,” Laurel County Public Schools said in an earlier Facebook post on Sunday , “The safety of our students and staff is our top priority.”

The LCSO said in a news release on Sunday that a “small silver colored SUV” registered to Couch was found off I-75 on Saturday night. A rifle case was also found in the same area.

Law enforcement said that on Sunday afternoon, an assault rifle was reportedly found near I-75 in the vicinity of the SUV that had been found Saturday night.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said in a news release on Sunday that I-75 northbound and southbound at Exit 49 remains closed and that a portion of U.S. 25 is closed from mile marker 17.3 to the Laurel County line at mile marker 23.9.

The London-Laurel Rescue squad reportedly sent a drone equipped with thermal imaging technology to assist with the search, per LCSO.

The sheriff’s office posted on Facebook just before 1 p.m. on Sunday to address concerns about supply donations to the various law enforcement agencies taking part in the search. It said, “If anyone wants to donate food or water for the officers’ search efforts on the shooter situation off exit 49, they can take the items to the emergency operation center located in London at 165 Substation Road, off McWhorter Street in London.”

Previous story:

A person of interest has been identified following a shooting Saturday night in Laurel County.

Around 6:30 p.m., the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) said that I-75 was closed due to an active shooter situation nine miles north of London.

The LCSO told FOX 56 that five people were shot. Three victims were taken to Saint Joseph Hospital in London, and two were flown to UK Hospital. All the victims are in stable condition.

In a news release, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC) said that I-75 from exits 41 to 59 is closed in both directions, along with KY-909 and U.S. 25, nine miles north of London, due to an active shooting situation.

“Motorists need to avoid the area,” KTC officials said.

The Lexington Police Department (LPD) told FOX 56 that officers will be escorting ambulances coming from the area of the shooting to UK Hospital with victims and that a police helicopter is on standby.

Gov. Andy Beshear posted on X around 7:23 p.m. that the situation is being monitored and asked for prayers “for everyone involved.”

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Around 8:30 p.m., authorities said they had identified a person of interest: 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch. He’s described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and weighing approximately 154 pounds.

According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Couch is considered armed and dangerous. Police said do not attempt to approach him.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts or location is asked to contact the London-Laurel County 911 Center by calling 911 or 606-878-7000.

Law enforcement has opened I-75 for vehicles to use the highway in both directions. U.S. 25 remains closed as authorities search for the active shooter, who is reportedly still at large.

For the latest updates on traffic in the area, visit the KTC traffic website .

Camille Hantla contributed to this story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.