Active search underway following incident involving gunfire in Kentucky close to Interstate 75, leading to injury of five individuals, as per authorities statement.
All five individuals are currently in a stable condition, and authorities are actively searching for a single shooter, as reported by the Laurel County Sheriff's Office Public Affairs Deputy Gilbert Acciardo to CNN.
An active shooter situation unfolded close to Interstate 75, approximately 9 miles north of London, where numerous individuals were reportedly shot, according to the Laurel County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies found nine vehicles that had been targeted with gunfire in both the north and southbound lanes of the interstate, stating that the five wounded individuals were all hit by gunshots, as told to CNN by Acciardo.
The London Police Department has classified 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch as a potential suspect who is considered "armed and dangerous." He is described as a Caucasian male, standing at approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 154 pounds, according to law enforcement.
London Mayor Randall Weddle stated in a Saturday night video update that they have a rough idea of the area where this individual may be, but he wouldn't disclose further specifics.
London, Kentucky, is situated around 80 miles south of Lexington.
The police department is requesting people to contact their 911 call center with any information regarding the whereabouts or location of this individual.
Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington announced via social media that the suspect has not yet been apprehended. They urge people to remain indoors while law enforcement continues to gather information.
The interstate was reopened on Saturday evening after being closed for approximately 3 hours, from exit 41 to exit 59, in both the northbound and southbound lanes, due to the active shooting, according to the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives based in Louisville reported that they are assisting the Kentucky State Police and local authorities in their response to a "critical incident" near Interstate 75.
Mayor Weddle urged everyone within city limits to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. "If you're home, keep your doors locked. I'm not asking everybody to panic. There is no immediate danger here in the city, but again, while this individual or individuals are at large, we are asking everybody to be safe," he said.
Weddle warned against rash actions, such as going outside to investigate loud noises, as law enforcement personnel or first responders could be in the vicinity. "If you think you hear something outside of your home, please do not go outside shooting. Call 911."
The recent incident of gun violence occurred shortly after a mass shooting left four dead and nine injured at a high school in Winder, Georgia. Less than a week ago, six people were injured when a spree shooter targeted those driving on an interstate in the Seattle area.
Gov. Andy Beshear advised avoiding the area and confirmed that law enforcement had shut down the interstate in both directions at exit 49. He offered support and encouraged prayers for the people involved.
A woman traveling from Rochester, New York, to Knoxville, Tennessee, on Interstate 75 with a friend, shared her harrowing account of the shooting with CNN. When they reached London, she and her friend heard an unusual "loud noise" that they initially thought was a tire blowing out. However, after noticing a truck slowing down and pulling off to the shoulder and seeing numerous police cars rushing past at high speeds, they realized they had encountered a shooting incident.
DiNoto also mentioned seeing several tires littered along the interstate. They learned about the shooting approximately one and a half hours later and noticed paint scrapes on the back of her car. She expressed gratitude for her luck despite still feeling shaken.
This is an evolving story and will be updated.
CNN's Paradise Afshar, Sara Smart, and Sarah Dewberry contributed to this report.
The woman and her friend, both traveling on Interstate 75, were unfortunate witnesses to the shooting incident. They decided to aid law enforcement by providing any information they had about the situation to the 911 call center.
In light of the ongoing situation, Mayor Weddle urged residents to stay vigilant and keep their doors locked, emphasizing the importance of safety while the suspect remains at large.
