LONDON, Ky. — Kentucky State Police, the Laurel County Sheriff's Office and several agencies continue to search for 32-year-old Joseph Couch, the suspect in Saturday's shooting on Interstate 75 in a rural area of southeastern Kentucky, where five people were shot.
During a Sunday evening news conference, Laurel Sheriff's Capt. Richard Dalrymple said it asked KSP earlier Sunday to take over the search as agencies prepare to resume efforts Monday at daybreak.
"I'm confident, eventually, we will figure it out and we will find him," Dalrymple said.
The Sheriff's Office previously said they think Couch is in the vicinity of Laurel County and urged those nearby to remain vigilant and stay home if possible, especially exit 49 near where the shooting happened. They said there around 40 to 50 law enforcement members ranging from federal, state and local agencies and have used resources such as drones and K-9 dogs to assist with the search.
KSP added a motive has not been determined. Couch bought the weapon Saturday morning, the Sheriff's Office said.
Acciardo said law enforcement recovered his car, a small silver-colored SUV, late Saturday night before recovering an AR-15 near I-75 and in the car's vicinity early Sunday afternoon. He added he does not believe it was a road rage incident but called Couch "dangerous" and could still be possibly armed.
“We’re going to go in, and we’re going to find this guy,” Acciardo said.
Acciardo said deputies were called to reports of gunshots on Interstate 75 at exit 49, approximately eight miles north of London Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The nine cars had been shot into both north and southbound I-75. Five people were shot, and all were in stable condition early Sunday, although some victims had “severe” injuries. One victim was shot in the face while another was shot in the arm.
"They were very significant, very severe injuries," Acciardo said. "I don't want to lessen that. We didn't have a fatality, but we certainly had some very serious injuries that will affect these people for the rest of their lives, I'm sure."
Acciardo added of the five people shot, one was from Kentucky while the rest were from out of state. Laurel County Sheriff John Root added he does not think there will be any fatalities.
Dozens of law enforcement agencies are assisting with the investigation, which began Saturday night.
“Our main focus right now is, get this guy under arrest," Acciardo said.
"You've got to know that these guys are getting tired in the woods. With all this guard that they have to wear, it's very tedious and stressful. We're just going to keep on plugging because that's what we do."
London Mayor Randall Weddle said he was "shocked" to hear of the news Saturday but praised law enforcement and first responders for their work.
"(London) is one of the greatest communities in the state, I believe ... we're a resilient community," Weddle said. "And I hate that the citizens are having to feel the emotions of fear and frustration because someone chose violence."
In a video update on Facebook late Saturday night, Weddle urged residents to call 911 if they hear or see anything suspicious near their homes. Multiple schools have also called off classes for Sept. 9.
“We’re asking folks please do not go outside your home shooting because we might have first responders in that area. It’s important to know you are safe. We have multiple agencies in this community, in the city of London and in Laurel County,” Weddle said.
Traffic was shut down for hours on the interstate because law enforcement didn’t know where the bullets came from. Acciardo said they believe there was only one shooter.
In a statement, CHI Saint Joseph London said it has received multiple patients and is treating them for minor injuries.
"We are devastated by the events that occurred along Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky, Saturday night," the hospital said. "We're thinking of our friends and neighbors during this difficult time and praying for those who have been impacted."
The sheriff’s office said anyone with information about where Couch might be should could 911 immediately. Acciardo added law enforcement “have not determined that this is the individual that fired the weapon.”
State lawmakers from Laurel County 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.
The interstate was closed nine miles north of London but reopened about three hours later, according to the sheriff’s office.
Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., said he's continuing to monitor the situation and praised law enforcement for their work.
“Law enforcement continue their investigation into yesterday’s shooting in Laurel County," Beshear said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Let’s all give thanks for their hard work to keep us safe.”