Written by Joseph Ax and Rich McKay
(Reuters) – Kentucky police resumed a manhunt on Sunday morning for a gunman who authorities said opened fire on vehicles traveling along rural Interstate 75 on Saturday, injuring seven people.
The Laurel County Sheriff's Office said Sunday that the search had resumed with the help of multiple law enforcement agencies, including a drone equipped with infrared technology.
The incident began around 5:30 pm (2130 GMT) about nine kilometers outside the small town of London in southeastern Kentucky, when police were responding to reports of gunfire in vehicles on the highway. The shots came from somewhere on the freeway, not from the car, Deputy Gilbert Acciardo of the sheriff's office told reporters on Sunday.
“When our police arrived at the scene, they saw many cars parked on the shoulder with their windows on, windows blown out, bullet holes in the cars,” said Acciardo, adding that several people were seriously injured.
Five people received gunshot wounds and are in stable condition with serious injuries, including one victim who was shot in the face, according to local media reports.
Two other people were injured in car accidents during the attack. A total of 9 vehicles were hit by bullets, according to the sheriff's office.
Authorities have identified a person of interest, Joseph Couch, 32, and warned the public that he is considered “armed and dangerous” and should not be contacted.
The shooting closed the highway for several hours.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives wrote to X to send agents to help.
The shooting happened three days after two students and two teachers were killed, and nine others were injured, at a high school in Winder, Georgia.
A 14-year-old student and his father, who allegedly gave his son access to the gun used in the incident, were charged.
