LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — UPDATE: 9/8 2:40 p.m.
A small silver-colored SUV registered to the person of interest, Joseph A. Couch was recovered off a U.S. Forest Service Road off exit 49 of I-75 on Saturday night, according to Sheriff John Root with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office.
According to Root, an AR rifle was recovered near I-75 on Sunday. It was found in the vicinity of the car that was recovered previously.
UPDATE: 9/8 at 2:20 a.m.
The Laurel County Sheriff's Department reports that deputies were dispatched to the scene of the shooting on I-75 at exit 49 around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Deputies arrived to find that nine vehicles had been shot into and five people were seriously injured. All those injured were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The scene of the shooting was secured overnight and an active search and continued investigation will take place at daybreak on Sunday morning. Several agencies will assist.
The active search for the person of interest in the shooting, Joseph A. Couch, continues. Authorities warn that Couch is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached. 911 should be called.
UPDATE: Sept. 7 at 9:52 p.m.
In a statement to LEX 18, Saint Joseph London confirmed they had received multiple patients with minor injuries following the shooting in Laurel County.
“We are devastated by the events that occurred along Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky Saturday night," the statement said. "We're thinking of our friends and neighbors during this difficult time and praying for those who have been impacted. Saint Joseph London received multiple patients and is treating them for minor injuries. We continue to coordinate with local law enforcement and first responders.”
According to Kentucky State Police Spokesperson Paul Blanton, two individuals have been transported to UK Hospital following the shooting.
UPDATE: Sept. 7 at 9:26 p.m.
The Laurel County Sheriff's Office reports that both north and southbound directions of I-75 is now open as the search for person of interest 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch continues.
UPDATE: According to London Police, 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch is a person of interest in the shooting.
In a Facebook post, the department encourages people to contact 911 or 606-878-7000.
Couch is 5'10, approximately weighing 154 pounds. He is believed to be armed and dangerous.
UPDATE: Sept. 7 at 8 p.m.
I-75 and US 25 remains shut down, the Mount Vernon Fire Department reports.
In a post to Facebook, the agency reports that they are actively working to divert traffic off the interstate at Exit 62 and Exit 59.
Significant delays are still expected.
UPDATE: Sept. 7 at 7:29 p.m.
According to an X post made by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, he is receiving reports from the Office of Homeland Security and Kentucky State Police.
"Together we are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible," the governor wrote.
UPDATE: Sept. 7 at 7:18 p.m.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 11, I-75 is currently closed from Exit 41 to Exit 59 both north and southbound.
Other road closures include KY-909/US 25.
UPDATE: Sept. 7 at 7:00 p.m.
According to the Mount Vernon Fire Department, traffic from I-75 southbound is now being diverted off at Exit 59.
In a Facebook post, they encouraged drivers to expect congestion and delays.
UPDATE: Sept. 7 at 6:48 pm.
According to the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, the roadway remains closed due to an active shooter situation nine miles north of London.
Numerous people have been shot near the interstate, the agency reports via Facebook.
ORIGINAL STORY:
According to the Mount Vernon Fire Department, both I-75 north and southbound lanes and South Wilderness Road near Exit 49 are shut down to an "ongoing emergency situation."
A heavy police and fire presence is in the area, the agency reports in a post made to Facebook.
The agency encouraged drivers to avoid using the interstate and U.S. 25, if possible.
London Mayor Randall Weddle also encouraged people to avoid the area "until further notice."
"Use alternative route do not be anywhere in that area," Weddle wrote.
This story was originally published by LEX18.
This is a developing story. More information will be updated as it becomes available.