SOUTHEASTERN KENTUCKY – Authorities in southeastern Kentucky are currently conducting an extensive manhunt for a gunman believed to have shot and injured five people near Interstate 75. Local police have named 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch as the target of their search. The incident took place on Sunday night in a remote area north of London, a southeastern city located approximately 75 miles south of Lexington. As of Sunday night, the Kentucky State Police have assumed responsibility for the search.
The shooting occurred around 5:30 PM local time. Upon arriving at the scene, troopers discovered multiple damaged vehicles along the side of the highway at Exit 49. A total of 12 cars had been hit. A suspect had fired multiple rounds from a position on the exit ramp, hitting nine vehicles and wounding five people. The shooter was not in a vehicle during the attack.
All victims remain in stable condition as of Sunday evening. However, some injuries were considered to be of serious concern. One individual was shot in the face. Another’s arm was heavily damaged. Despite the gravity of these injuries, all victims are expected to make a recovery.
According to investigators, there seems to be no specific targets, leading them to speculate that the shooter chose the location randomly. Police warn that Couch is armed and dangerous, advising the public not to engage with him.
Couch has a military background, having served in the National Guard for at least four years. His criminal history appears minimal, comprising a traffic ticket and a dismissed charge of terrorist threats.