Kentucky schools closed as search for I-75 highway gunman enters third day

The hunt for a gunman suspected of shooting into vehicles on Kentucky’s I-75, injuring five people, has led to school closures across several counties, with authorities warning residents to remain vigilant.

Police identified 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch as the primary suspect in Saturday’s shootings, which left up to 12 cars riddled with bullet holes. The shots were fired from a cliff overlooking the busy highway, creating panic among drivers. “Can you imagine that? Just chaotic,” said Deputy Gilbert Acciardo of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, describing the scene when first responders arrived. “People on the sides of the road, emergency flashers going, bullet holes, windows shot out.”

Authorities believe Couch is hiding in a dense, rugged area near London, Kentucky, about nine miles from where the attack took place. Despite recovering a silver Honda SUV, an AR rifle, and Couch’s phone (sans battery), the search has been slow due to the challenging terrain. “That’s probably one of the most remote exits on I-75,” Acciardo said.

As the manhunt continues, schools in Laurel County, where London is located, and nearby counties have been closed. Local businesses and churches have also shut their doors. Residents have been urged to lock their homes and monitor security footage. “You need to lock your doors,” warned Kentucky State Police spokesperson Scottie Pennington. “If you have security cameras, make sure you’re constantly watching them.”

The shootings, which began around 5:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, left five people injured, some with serious wounds, including one person shot in the face. Thankfully, all victims are expected to survive. Authorities believe the attack was random, not targeted, though Couch’s motive remains unclear.

Couch had legally purchased the rifle and 1,000 rounds of ammunition just hours before the shooting, according to police. Governor Andy Beshear has asked the public to avoid the area and “pray for everyone involved.”

As the third day of the search unfolds, police continue their efforts to contain the suspect within the remote woods near exit 49 on I-75, hoping to bring the tense situation to an end.