USA: Epidemic of gun violence and mass murder
Learn about the growing problem of gun violence and mass killings in the United States and how the Gun Violence Archive (GVA) categorizes different types of gun violence.
Authorities in Laurel County, Kentucky, were searching Sunday for the suspect in a shooting that led to an hours-long closure of Interstate 75 near Exit 49 and U.S. Route 25, about eight miles north of London.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Department said in a social media post that officers were dispatched around 5:30 p.m. Saturday after a gunshot victim was reported on I-75. Nine vehicles were shot at on both sides of the road, and five people were injured, the department said in a statement.
Authorities closed I-75 for more than three hours while they searched for a suspect. The highway reopened around 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Investigators paused the search overnight and cordoned off the area. The search and active investigation are expected to resume early Sunday morning, according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department.
32-year-old Joseph A. Couch has been identified as a person of interest in the investigation. He is described as a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous.
According to Laurel County authorities, more than a dozen law enforcement officers are assisting in the investigation.
“I understand the community is looking for more answers, but this is all the information I have at this time,” London Mayor Randall Weddle wrote in a social media post early Sunday morning. “Let’s keep the victims, their families, and all of our first responders in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Be vigilant,” Weddle told WYMT when asked what residents should do. “Stay home and be vigilant there.”
