Police shut down Interstate 75 near London, Kentucky, Saturday evening following reports of an active shooter.
Seven people were injured from an incident along I-75, according to London Mayor Randall Weddle. Not all of those injured had been shot, there was a traffic accident at the scene as well, Weddle said.
ABC News confirmed at least two of the people injured were taken to UK HealthCare, conditions not disclosed.
A suspect has not been captured, Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington said, and he urged residents to stay inside and keep avoiding the area.
The sheriff’s office released a name and photo of a person of interest, 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch, who is “considered armed and dangerous.” The terrain where he is believed to be is “very rugged,” according to the mayor.
Further details about the incident weren’t immediately revealed.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement on X the highway was closed in both directions at exit 49 and that he was monitoring the situation.
The Louisville office of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting the state police in the investigation, the agency announced.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
The Kentucky Interstate was closed by police in response to reports of multiple shots fired, causing chaos and confusion among motorists and residents in the area.
The incident occurred on a busy stretch of Interstate in Kentucky, where multiple reports of shots being fired were received by local law enforcement. In response to the reports, police quickly closed off the affected section of the highway, diverting traffic and launching an investigation into the source of the gunfire.
The closure of the interstate caused significant delays for commuters and travelers, with many stuck in traffic for hours as police worked to secure the area and gather evidence. The situation was further complicated by the lack of information provided to the public, leaving many residents unsure of what was happening and how long the closure would last.
As news of the incident spread, concerns grew among residents about the safety of the area and the potential for further violence. Many took to social media to express their frustration and fear, calling for increased police presence and a swift resolution to the situation.
After several hours of investigation, police were able to determine that the shots fired were part of a domestic dispute between two individuals traveling on the interstate. Both parties were apprehended and taken into custody, and the interstate was reopened to traffic.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of swift and effective police response to reports of violence, as well as the need for clear communication with the public during emergencies. While the closure of the interstate may have caused inconvenience for many, it was necessary to ensure the safety of all those in the area.
Moving forward, local law enforcement officials have pledged to increase patrols and surveillance on the interstate to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities promptly.
In conclusion, the closure of the Kentucky Interstate in response to reports of multiple shots fired highlights the importance of proactive policing and communication during emergencies. While the incident may have caused disruption for many, it ultimately resulted in the apprehension of those responsible and the reopening of the highway to traffic.
