‘She’s gushing blood’: Witnesses tell chilling details of violent shooting on I-75 as manhunt for suspect continues

LONDON, Ky. (WKYT/Gray News) - Kentucky law enforcement officials are still searching for a suspect in a mass shooting that happened on Interstate 75 over the weekend.

Kentucky State Police is leading the ongoing manhunt for 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch of Woodbine, Ky. Police say Couch shot five people on I-75 in Laurel County on Saturday evening.

According to warrants obtained for Couch, he faces five counts of attempted murder and five counts of assault with the possibility of more charges to be added later.

A man who did not want to be identified spoke with WKYT and said he believes he saw Couch moments after multiple cars and trucks were shot on I-75 Saturday.

“A black SUV, white male got out of it, no shirt on, red hat on backward, blue jeans. Comes running through the intersection, comes to the lot right here by my trailer.”

The man says he had just left the Wildcat ATV park when the suspect ran past him and then escaped into the woods east of Exit 49. He says police flooded the area shortly afterward.

“Had I not broken a brake line, I would have been on the interstate as he was shooting. That was scary,” he said.

Officials say 12 vehicles were hit by gunfire. They estimate at least 20 to 30 rounds were fired.

Numerous people called 911 in the moments after the shooting. WKYT obtained nearly 20 minutes of calls from numerous people.

“She’s gushing blood. I’m trying to stop the bleeding,” one caller told dispatch. “I’m sitting here with a gunshot wound. She’s starting to go numb on me. Starting to black out on me, bad.

Police say an AR-15 Couch legally purchased from a local business on Saturday is believed to be the same one used in the shooting.

The rifle, a vehicle belonging to Couch, and several fully charged magazines were found during the weekend’s investigation.

Officials also searched Couch’s home on Sunday.

Police believe Couch is hiding out in a thick, remote wooded area, near exit 49 off I-75.

Officials with Daniel Boone National Forest also announced that they are closing the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail between US-421 and KY-192 to support the ongoing search efforts.

The public is asked not to engage with the suspect and should contact law enforcement since he is still considered armed and dangerous.

A reward totaling $35,000 has been offered for information that leads to Couch’s arrest.

“We are doing everything we can. We’re out in full force and I’m confident that this guy will be brought to justice and located soon,” Laurel County Sheriff John Root said.

Police have not determined a motive for the shooting, however, Laurel County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Gilbert Acciardo says this was “definitely not” a road rage situation.

According to London Mayor Randall Weddle, the five victims injured in the shooting were stable.

Several Kentucky schools canceled instruction for Wednesday, September 11, as the search for a shooting suspect continues.