Police are searching the woods near Interstate 75 just north of London, Kentucky, after “numerous persons” were shot on the highway around 6 p.m. near exit 49, officials confirmed Saturday evening.
Joseph A. Couch, 32, a person of interest in the shooting, is considered armed and dangerous, police said.
“If you have any information regarding the whereabouts or location on this individual please contact the London-Laurel County 911 Center by calling 911 or 606-878-7000,” the London Police Department said.
The department warned that Couch shouldn’t be approached. He is described as a White man about 5 foot 10 inches, weighing around 154 pounds.
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The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said the highway was closed near the exit, which is nine miles north of London.
Police had responded to reports that a suspect was shooting at drivers from an overpass or a wooded area, multiple media accounts said.
London, around 80 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky, has a population of about 7,600.
Police officers will be escorting ambulances in and out of the area to take shooting victims to hospitals, FOX 56 reported, adding that a police helicopter is available.
Police had responded to reports that a suspect was shooting at drivers from an overpass or a wooded area, multiple media accounts said.
Police are still searching for the suspect, Reuters reported.
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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told people to avoid the area.
“Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County,” Beshear said. “Law enforcement has shut the interstate down in both directions at exit 49. Please avoid the area. We will provide more details once they are available.”
The governor said he was receiving updates from the Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. “[T]ogether we are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible. Please pray for everyone involved,” he wrote.
The highway is closed between exits 41 and 59, FOX 56 reported, citing the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
London Mayor Randall Weddle also said on his Facebook page to avoid the area.
Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers Karen Kelly also wrote on Twitter that she was hearing “reports of an active shooter on I75 between exits 49 and 41. Interstate shut down. Shooter in the woods. Pray.”
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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