Several people were shot along I-75 south of Lexington, Kentucky, authorities say

Several people were shot Saturday along Interstate 75 in a rural area south of Lexington, authorities said.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that it was an “active shooting” and that “numerous people” were shot near the highway, adding that the highway was closed 9 miles north of London.

The sheriff’s office also announced that a “person of interest” has been identified in connection with the shooting. This person is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. The man’s name was given as Joseph A. Couch, a 32-year-old white male. Anyone with information on his whereabouts was asked to call the county’s emergency dispatch center.

A “strong police and fire presence” is on site and is “working diligently to resolve the situation,” the Mount Vernon Fire Department said in a statement. It advised motorists to avoid I-75 and US 25.

“I am receiving initial reports from the Kentucky State Police and our Homeland Security Office – together we are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible,” Governor Andy Beshear said in a post on the social platform X. “Please pray for everyone involved.”

“We will provide further details as they become available,” Beshear said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed without any modifications.