Laurel County Public Schools and other districts closed as search for shooting suspect continues
LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Several school districts, including Laurel County Public Schools, are closed today as law enforcement continues to search for an armed suspect involved in a shooting near I-75.
Districts that have closed as a precaution include:
- Laurel County Public Schools
- Rockcastle County Schools
- Whitley County School District
- Lincoln County Public Schools
- East Bernstadt Independent Schools
In a statement, Laurel County Public Schools emphasized that student and staff safety is their top priority. The decision to cancel school was made “out of an abundance of caution.” The closures follow an ongoing manhunt for the suspect involved in an active shooter situation near I-75.
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.
