LONDON, Ky. − On Sunday, authorities launched a manhunt for a shooter who injured five individuals, damaged nine vehicles, and led to a prolonged closure of Interstate 75 in southeastern Kentucky.

According to Gilbert Acciardo, a representative of the Laurel County Sheriff’s office, deputies responded to a 911 report around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, they discovered cars along the highway with shattered windows and numerous bullet holes. Some of the victims sustained serious injuries, but there are no expected fatalities.

“Some of the injuries were quite severe, and our deputies transported some of the victims to a nearby hospital,” Acciardo shared in a news conference on Sunday. “The scene was very chaotic.”

Joseph A. Couch, 32, has been named as a person of interest in the case. Acciardo indicated that Couch should be treated as armed and dangerous, and he is likely to be deemed a suspect by the end of the day.

Reports Suggest a Possible Road Rage Incident

Acciardo mentioned that initial accounts suggested the shooting stemmed from a road rage altercation involving two vehicles. Officers later discovered that the shooter was positioned near Exit 49, firing at cars that drove by.

“In such a chaotic situation, you need to sift through numerous elements to get to the truth,” he said. “We received substantial leads that helped us identify a potential suspect early in the investigation, and I am optimistic this will lead us to the right person.”

Acciardo noted that the initial effort to track down the shooter was complicated by darkness and the challenging terrain of the remote, hilly wooded region located about 160 miles southeast of Louisville. Helicopters equipped with infrared technology have been assisting in the search. The interstate was closed in both directions for over three hours. The search was paused at approximately 3 a.m. and resumed about six hours later.

Acciardo expressed confidence in law enforcement’s ability to contain the person of interest in the surrounding area and expected to apprehend him on Sunday.

Local Community Comes Together

Ophelia Riley, a local resident who still returns to London every Sunday for church, shared that she made a trip to town earlier than usual after learning about the shooting. Her family lives in the vicinity, and she has two relatives involved in the case—her brother works with the Kentucky State Police and her cousin is a deputy in Laurel County.

She remarked that incidents like this are uncommon in the community.

“I’ve been out all night just trying to process everything,” Riley expressed. “Laurel County is typically very peaceful and family-friendly. Everyone looks out for one another.”

Community Members Urged to Remain Alert

Laurel County officials reported that over a dozen first-response organizations are participating in the investigation. Governor Andy Beshear is keeping track of the situation and thanked emergency responders for their contributions. The Kentucky State Police are assisting in the manhunt, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in Louisville announced they are also providing support.

“I understand the community is eager for more information, but this is all I can share at this point,” stated London Mayor Randall Weddle in a social media post early Sunday. “Please stay alert and call 911 if you see the individual in question.”

Understanding London, Kentucky

London has around 7,500 residents and serves as the county seat of Laurel County. The county, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a population of approximately 63,000, based on the 2020 Census. The Daniel Boone National Forest partially lies within the county.

It is situated roughly 90 miles south of Lexington and 100 miles north of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Laurel County, positioned at the intersection of I-75 and Highway 80, is considered well-suited for economic development and expansion, according to the London-Laurel Economic Development Authority. The area hosts 17 manufacturing firms, 12 distribution centers, and five food production locations.

“Having worked in law enforcement here for 48 years, I can’t recall an event quite like this happening in our small county,” Acciardo remarked.