LONDON, Ky. — The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office reports an active shooter situation on Interstate 75 near exit 49, nine miles north of London, saying “numerous persons have been shot near I-75.” The office released the picture of a person of interest. Joseph Couch is considered armed and dangerous.
London Mayor Randall Weddle took to the city’s Facebook page with a recorded message. He said seven people are hurt, but not all have been shot.
“There are no deceased at this time. No one was killed from this, thankfully, but we ask that you continue to pray,” Weddle said.
UK Healthcare confirmed two people are being treated at Albert B. Chandler Hospital, but did not release details about their conditions.
Weddle thanked the first responders working on the incident and added he has been in contact with Gov. Andy Beshear’s office and that the White House has called.
“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, D-Ky., 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.
Weddle let people know areas of Laurel County are very rugged and filled with trees, making the search difficult. Various agencies from around the state are working the situation and Weddle thanked them all and asked for prayers.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms announced on its social media X account, it is helping Kentucky State Police with the situation.
The London Police Department reports Interstate 75 is open in both directions and traffic is flowing.
The Mount Vernon Fire Department wrote on its Facebook page, they are “actively working to divert traffic off the interstate at Exit 62 and Exit 59 being diverted to 461.”
London is a a small city with a population of about 8,000 located about 75 miles south of Lexington.
This is a developing story. We will add more details when they become available.