Multiple people shot along I-75 in southeastern Kentucky, search for shooter on

State lawmakers from Laurel County have urged residents in the area to stay home as police continued to search for the shooter. “Without a doubt, this is an act of senseless violence that does not reflect the values of this community, our Commonwealth, or its people,” they said in a statement.

A “heavy presence of police and fire personnel” was at the site and “working diligently to address the situation,” the Mount Vernon Fire Department said in a statement. It advised motorists to avoid I-75 and US 25, according to AP report.

London Mayor Randall Weddle, shared a video, highlighting he was told seven people were hurt, but not all of those were wounded by gunfire. Some of those victims were injured in a vehicle accident, he said in his statement.

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

According to hospital officials at Saint Joseph London, the facility was treating multiple patients, LEX 18 reported. The hospital added that the people it received from the site of shooting had minor injuries. Moreover, Jay Blanton, a spokesperson for the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, said two victims were admitted.

The sheriff’s office also announced that a “Person of Interest” has been identified in connection with the shooting, saying he should be considered armed and dangerous and people should not approach him. The man’s name was shared as Joseph A. Couch, who is a 32-year-old white male, and anyone with information about his location was urged to call the county 911 center, AP news reported.

“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,” Governor Andy Beshear stated in a post on social media platform X. “Please pray for everyone involved.” “We will provide more details once they are available,” Beshear said.