Laurel County schools to be closed Monday as search continues for shooting suspect

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Laurel County Public Schools have announced that classes will be canceled on Monday, September 9, 2024, as a precautionary measure due to an ongoing safety situation.

In a statement, the school district emphasized that student and staff safety is a top priority. The decision to cancel school was made “out of an abundance of caution.” The announcement comes amid an ongoing investigation and search for a shooting suspect in the area.

Update on I-75 shooting investigation

According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, the search for shooting suspect Joseph A. Couch continues near exit 49 off I-75, approximately eight miles north of London. Ground search units, including deputies, federal, state, and local officers, are actively involved in the operation. The suspect’s vehicle, a small silver SUV, was recovered Saturday night off a U.S. Forest Service Road near exit 49.

A rifle case was also found in the vehicle, and on Sunday afternoon, an AR rifle was recovered near I-75 in the vicinity of where the vehicle was located.

The investigation is ongoing, and the search for the suspect continues. Local residents and commuters are advised to remain cautious and follow any further updates from law enforcement.