Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, public affairs officer for the Laurel County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that five individuals were injured during the active shooting on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Three of those injured went to Saint Joseph London for care while the other two were sent to University of Kentucky HealthCare in Lexington.

"All of them are in stable condition," Acciardo stated.

The Laurel County Sheriff's Office had previously shared that numerous persons were shot and injured, not disclosing specific details. Though, in a video posted on the City of London Facebook page, Mayor Randall Weddle did share that there were thankfully no fatalities as a result of the events that transpired beginning around 6 p.m. Weddle had also stated that, at this time, he was being informed of the injury of seven individuals, not all due to gunshot wounds.

In a Facebook post made at 9:23 p.m. on Saturday, the Laurel County Sheriff's Office shared that both north- and southbound lanes of I-75 have reopened as the search for Joseph A. Couch, a person of interest in the shooting,  continues.

While I-75 has reopened from Exit 41 to Exit 62, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said that KY 909 and US 25 remain closed at this time due to the situation.

Couch is a 32-year-old white male, approximately 5'10" in height and weighing approximately 154 pounds. London Police requests that anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Couch contact the London-Laurel County 911 Center by calling 911 or (606) 878-7000. Laurel County Sheriff's Office has additionally shared this information, stating that people should not attempt to approach Couch, as he is considered armed and dangerous.

The incident has made national news.

Governor Andy Beshear has stated in part, "I am receiving initial reports from the Kentucky State Police and our Office of Homeland Security — together we are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible. Please pray for everyone involved."

The Kentucky House Majority Caucus also issued the following statement on behalf of Laurel County legislators State Senator Brandon Storm, Representative Derek Lewis, Representative Shane Baker, Representative Josh Bray, Representative Tom O’Dell Smith, Representative Timmy Truett, and Representative Nick Wilson:

“While the situation at I-75 and US 25 is ongoing, we ask community members to avoid the area and request those who live in the vicinity remain in their homes as local law enforcement and the Kentucky State Police work.

“As we continue to learn more about this attack, we ask for prayers for everyone involved, the victims, their families, and the first responders. Without a doubt, this is an act of senseless violence that does not reflect the values of this community, our Commonwealth, or its people.”

At this time, the search for the suspect is ongoing as local authorities currently search for him in the woods.

"That's kind of where we're standing at right now," said Dep. Acciardo.

React to this story:

0
0
0
0
0
(0 Ratings)