Multiple people shot along I-75 south of Lexington, Kentucky, authorities say

Multiple people were shot Saturday along Interstate 75 in a rural area south of Lexington, authorities said.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook that it was an “active shooter situation” and “numerous persons” were shot near the highway. It added that the interstate was closed nine miles north of the town of London.

In a video statement, London Mayor Randall Weddle said he was told seven people were hurt, but that not all of them were shot. Some of the victims were injured in a vehicle accident, he said.

“There are no deceased at this time. No one was killed from this, thankfully, but we ask that you continue to pray,” Weddle said.

The sheriff’s office also announced that a “person of interest” has been identified in connection with the shooting, saying the man should be considered armed and dangerous and people should not approach him. His name was given as Joseph A. Couch, and the sheriff’s office described him as 32 years old and white. Anyone with information about his location was urged to call the county 911 center.

A “heavy presence of police and fire personnel” was on the scene and “working diligently to address the situation,” the fire department in nearby Mount Vernon said in a statement. It advised motorists to avoid I-75 and U.S. 25.

“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,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a post on the social platform X. “Please pray for everyone involved.”

“We will provide more details once they are available,” Beshear said.

London, about 75 miles south of Lexington, has a population of about 8,000.