KENTUCKY — Multiple schools have canceled classes for Monday as agencies continue searching for 32-year-old Joseph Couch, the suspect in Saturday's shooting on Interstate 75 in a rural area of southeastern Kentucky.
Here's a list:
- Laurel County Public Schools
- East Bernstadt Independent School
- Corbin Independent School District
- Knox County Public Schools
- Rockcastle County Schools
- Clay County Public Schools
- Somerset Community College
- Williamsburg City School
- Barbourville City School
- Whitley County School District
- Jackson County Public Schools
- Lincoln County Schools
- Leslie County Schools
Eastern Kentucky University said its Corbin and Manchester campuses will follow "Plan A," consisting of remote/virtual instruction. Classes on its main Richmond campus will proceed as scheduled.
As of Sunday night, agencies have not yet found Couch. Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, a spokesperson for the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, said he thinks he is in the vicinity of Laurel County and urged those nearby to remain vigilant and stay home if possible.
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. Nine cars had been shot on both northbound and southbound I-75. Five people were shot, and all were in stable condition early Sunday; however, some victims had “severe” injuries, Acciardo said.
Dozens of law enforcement agencies are assisting with the investigation, which began Saturday night. Kentucky State Police is taking over the search from the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, which will resume Monday morning.