LONDON, Ky. — Authorities in Kentucky are searching for a suspect after five people were shot Saturday night on I-75 in Laurel County.
Joseph A. Couch has now been considered a suspect in the incident.
According to Laurel County Sheriff's Office spokesperson, Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, they recovered an AR-15 off Exit 49 where the shooting happened.
They also recovered Couch’s car which was registered under his name Saturday night. LCSO confirmed a rifle case and several fully charged magazines were also found in the vehicle but unsure who the weapon is registered to.
Couch has still not been located and police said they have received more than 100 calls from across Laurel County with alleged sightings.
As a precaution, the LCSO said many churches in the northern part of the county did not have services on Sunday.
Police are conducting searches and believe Couch could be in the woods. They are hoping to find him and finding a weapon was a positive note.
“We want to get him tonight. We want to get him before it gets dark again, but no promises. We're going to do our very best,” Acciardo, said.
Arcciardo confirmed the shooting was likely "planned" by Couch and had no outside help. None of the victims, the deputy said, have any connection to him.
Some of the victims shot in the interstate incident suffered serious injuries -- one shot in the face while another victim suffered a "very severe injury" to the arm.
"They were very significant, very severe injuries and I don't want to lessen that," Arcciardo said. "We didn't have a fatality, but we certainly had some very serious injuries that will affect these people for the rest of their lives."
London Mayor Randall Weddle also spoke on Sunday about Saturday's shooting said he was "shocked."
"Is this even true or a fake call?" Weddle recalled when he first heard the news.
With ongoing search efforts for Couch, Weddle said the community is scared and frustrated. He is urging residents to stay home and let law enforcement agencies do their job.
Laurel County Public Schools are canceling classes on Monday out of an abundance of caution.
"Student and Staff safety is a priority in the Laurel County Public Schools," the district announced on Facebook.
Here's everything we know about Couch :
- 32 years old.
- White male.
- Approximately 5-foot-10 and 154 pounds.
- From Woodbine, Kentucky.
- Considered armed and dangerous.
If you spot him, the sheriff's office asks you to call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to approach him.
Numerous agencies searched the area for Couch Saturday night and contained the scene. The search resumed Sunday morning with assistance from many agencies, including London police, Kentucky State Police, Corbin police, Williamsburg police, Richmond police, the FBI, US Marshal service, ATF, Lexington Metro police, Rockcastle County Sheriff's Office and Mount Vernon police.
A drone was also deployed.
Both directions of I-75 about nine miles north of London were closed for hours following the incident.
Gov. Andy Beshear said via X that his office was made aware of the situation and will provide more details as they become 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," he said. "Please pray for everyone involved."
Laurel County is about 84 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky.