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Several people were injured Saturday evening in shootings along Interstate 75 in Southern Kentucky. A large manhunt ensued, and nearly 20 miles of I-75 were closed for hours while authorities searched for a person of interest.
Rumors about the number of victims and the circumstances of the shooting spread quickly on social media, especially as people tuned in to local scanner traffic, but authorities clarified some details early Sunday.
Here’s what we know – and don’t yet know – about the shootings.
What we know
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Five people were shot while driving along I-75 Saturday evening. The shootings happened around 5:30 p.m., and all victims have been listed as stable.
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In all, nine cars were shot into near exit 49, about eight miles north of London. Victims were traveling in both the north- and southbound lanes of I-75.
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A person of interest was identified as 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch, and he remains at-large Sunday morning. He is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities urge you to call 911 if you see him. Police were searching for Couch in a rugged, wooded part of north Laurel County on Saturday, and they were slated to resume the search at daybreak Sunday morning.
What we don’t know
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The circumstances of the shooting. London Mayor Randall Wendle told Kentucky Sports Radio Saturday evening that the shooting did not appear to be random and involved two cars in an altercation, but authorities later said they no longer think that was the case.
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Much about the person of interest. Couch was charged last year with terroristic threatening, a misdemeanor in Kentucky, but that charge was dropped earlier this year.
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.