Laurel County, KY – Update on Shooting Incident
Authorities in Laurel County, Kentucky are actively investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Saturday evening on Interstate 75. As of the latest updates, officials from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office have reported that all five victims injured in the shooting are currently stable and are not expected to die from their injuries. The shooting resulted in a total of 12 vehicles being struck by 20 to 30 gunshots.
Ongoing Search for Suspect
Law enforcement continues to search for Joseph A. Couch, a 32-year-old resident of Woodbine, KY, who is considered a person of interest in the case. Couch has a military background and is a former member of the National Guard. He is believed to still be in the woods near the scene of the shooting, which presents challenges for search teams due to the remote location.
According to Gilbert Acciardo of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, search crews are currently working layered, remote forest areas, and they plan to complete their search by nightfall. The Kentucky State Police have deployed K9 units, and a drone is assisting in the effort to locate Couch.
Details from the Scene
On Sunday, it was revealed that an AR-15 was found near the interstate, and it was purchased just a day before the shooting. A vehicle, described as a silver Honda CRV, was located but investigators indicated it was not close enough to the shooting scene for Couch to fire at the vehicles from where it was found. A gun case was also discovered near the area, raising more questions regarding Couch’s circumstances.
Currently, there is no evidence pointing to a clear motive for the shooting. Acciardo stated that Couch’s criminal history does not suggest he would be involved in such an act and that a previous charge for terroristic threatening had been dismissed. There are also concerns that Couch may be at risk of committing suicide.
Community Impact and School Closures
The incident has prompted several local school districts to cancel classes on Monday. Among the closures are Somerset Community College and KCEOC Community Action Partnership programs across multiple counties, ensuring that safety measures are taken throughout the area.
Mayor Randall Weddle of London has addressed the community, urging residents to stay away from the search area and let trained professionals handle the situation. “Stay home, let the first responders do their jobs. Don’t take things into your own hands,” he emphasized, reassuring the public about the response efforts.
Continued Monitoring of the Situation
As authorities continue to monitor the area throughout the night, it remains critical for the community to avoid the specific road closures linked to the incident. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has confirmed that necessary roads, including I-75 at exit 49, will remain closed until further notice as investigations proceed.
Community members are urged to report any possible information regarding Couch’s whereabouts to the London-Laurel County 911 Center. Officials confirmed that cooperation from the public can be essential in resolving this case. As the search for Couch intensifies, updates will continue to be shared with the public, ensuring transparency during this critical situation.
The community is watching closely as law enforcement works diligently to resolve the ongoing situation and ensure safety for all.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
