Active Shooter Manhunt Intensifies in Kentucky: SUV and Rifle Recovered

Kentucky law enforcement officials have recovered a stolen SUV and an AR-15 rifle belonging to a suspect believed to have opened fire on Interstate 75, injuring several people and triggering a massive manhunt.

Kentucky authorities have made significant progress in their manhunt for a suspected gunman who unleashed a barrage of gunfire near Interstate 75, injuring multiple victims and causing a car accident. The investigation has yielded the recovery of an SUV registered to the suspect and an AR-15 rifle believed to have been used in the attack.

The recovered SUV, a small silver vehicle, was found abandoned off a U.S. Forest Service Road near exit 49 of I-75 on Saturday evening. Inside the vehicle, law enforcement officials discovered a rifle case. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch, remains at large.

Active Shooter Manhunt Intensifies in Kentucky: SUV and Rifle Recovered

On Sunday afternoon, sheriff's deputies located a rifle near I-75, close to the SUV recovered the previous evening. The discoveries have fueled the manhunt, which began after the shooting spree unfolded around 6 p.m. Saturday near exit 49.

Initial reports indicated that the suspect was firing at drivers from an overpass or wooded area. Authorities have designated Couch as a person of interest in the shooting. The search for Couch is ongoing in a rugged area with dense tree lines.

Active Shooter Manhunt Intensifies in Kentucky: SUV and Rifle Recovered

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, confirmed that five people were shot and were all in stable condition as of early Sunday. However, some of the victims have sustained serious injuries, including one person who was shot in the face. Two additional individuals were injured in the vehicle accident.

The search for Couch was temporarily suspended on Saturday due to darkness, but officials maintained a containment perimeter around the scene overnight. On Sunday, the search resumed and is continuing.

Active Shooter Manhunt Intensifies in Kentucky: SUV and Rifle Recovered

Kentucky law enforcement agencies are collaborating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the investigation. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity or information related to Couch's whereabouts.

The London Police Department released an image of Couch, urging the public to be vigilant in assisting with the manhunt. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous, and the public is advised to exercise caution.

The shooting incident has sent shockwaves through the community. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office has established a dedicated phone line at (606) 864-6600 for anyone with information or concerns.

The active shooter situation and the ongoing manhunt have raised concerns about public safety. Kentucky State Police and the London Police Department are working to ensure a swift resolution to the case and to apprehend the suspect responsible for the violent acts.