BREAKING: Active Shooter On-Going in Kentucky, I-75 Shut Down

Sep 05, 2024 -- TheBlakeMoiaShow.com Staff Report -- Published 9pm

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Confirmed: Multiple Wounded, Active Shooter Underway

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Authorities are searching for an active shooter suspect in Laurel County, Kentucky.

“I-75 is closed at mile marker/Exit 49, and U.S. 25, nine miles north of London due to an active shooter situation,” the Laurel County Sheriff’s office said in a post on Facebook. “Numerous persons have been shot near I-75.”

Police scanner reports from law enforcement say that the shooter "has military experience and called in threats earlier today."

"Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County. Law enforcement has shut the interstate down in both directions at exit 49. Please avoid the area. We will provide more details once they are available."

Several law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, FBI and 2 Kentucky State Police helicopters responded to the scene. The active shooter escaped into a wooded area. The suspect has not been captured.

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"CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS"

Authorities just identified 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch as the shooter.

In a Facebook post, the Lauer County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Couch is a white male approximately 5’10 weighing approximately 154lbs.

Authorities confirmed via radio traffic that earlier today, Couch had purchased an AR-15 with 2,000 rounds.

Couch was also reportedly making threats and has "prior military experience."

Law enforcement warns the public to do not attempt to approach and he is considered armed and dangerous.

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2am Update from Authorities

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Updated: 1:55am -- *** Update on shooting on I-75 in Laurel County, Kentucky***

"Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a gunshot victim complaint on I – 75 at exit 49 approximately 8 miles north of London on Saturday afternoon September 7, 2024 at approximately 5:30 PM.

Arriving deputies found nine vehicles had been shot into both north and south bound on I-75 and five persons were seriously injured. Deputies on scene transported injured to a local hospital for treatment. Other Sheriff's deputies along with the Sheriff's office special response team along with London city police and Kentucky state police arrived at the scene to secure the scene.

I – 75 was closed for several hours for safety reasons because of the danger to passing cars in the area of the shootings. Investigation began and a lead was developed on a person of interest and the search for this person of interest is continuing. He is identified as: Joseph A. Couch age 32 of Woodbine, KY described as 5'10" and weighing approximately 154 pounds. This individual is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached. 911 should be called.

The scene is being contained overnight and an active search and the continuing investigation will occur at daybreak on Sunday morning.

Agencies assisting included: London city police, Kentucky state police, Corbin city police, Williamsburg city police, Richmond city police, FBI, US Marshal service, ATF, Lexington Metro, Rockcastle County Sheriff's office, Mount Vernon Police Department, East Bernstadt fire and rescue, London fire department, London – Laurel County rescue squad, Laurel County emergency management, ABC, Blue grass Army Depot Police, and numerous area fire departments."

Authorities also say that the suspect is heavily armed and carrying "several thousand rounds of ammo."

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