Police in southern Kentucky were searching for a person of interest Saturday night after “multiple” people were shot near a highway, authorities said.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post at 5:36 p.m. that the shooting happened near Interstate 75. I-75 was closed at exit 49 and US 25, nine miles north of London. London is about 80 miles south of Lexington.
The sheriff’s office later released a photo of Joseph Couch, a person of interest, and said he should be considered “armed and dangerous.”
At 6:04 p.m., a Kentucky State Police spokesman said on Facebook that people were advised to stay inside because the suspect had not been arrested.
Governor Andy Beshear posted about the situation on Facebook, writing: “Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County. Law enforcement has closed the highway in both directions at exit 49. Avoid the area. We will provide more information when they are available.
I am receiving initial reports from the Kentucky State Police and our Office of Homeland Security – together we are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible. Please pray for all involved.”