ALERT - Multiple people shot along I-75, Exit 49 area in Laurel County

September 07, 2024

by Staff

UPDATE- A person of interest has been identified as Joseph A. Couch, 32, a white male, 5’10”, 154 lbs. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Laurel-Laurel County 911 office by calling 911 or 606-878-7000.

Law enforcement and local authorities are instructing motorists to avoid Interstate 75 in the Exit 49 area of Laurel County due to an active shooter situation.

According to multiple reports, several people have been injured but no details are available beyond that.

Laurel County Sheriff John Root has asked people to stay away from Exit 49 and according to KSP Trooper Scottie Pennington, the shooter has not been caught as of 7:41 p.m., Saturday, September 7.

Due to the ongoing situation, both southbound and northbound lanes of the interstate have been shut down in the area affected.

In a post on X/formerly Twitter, Governor Andy Beshear posted:

Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County. Law enforcement has shut the interstate down in both directions at exit 49. Please avoid the area. We will provide more details once they are available.
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. ^AB