Manhunt underway after cars shot at on Kentucky highway | US News

A manhunt is underway after at least seven people were injured when a gunman opened fire on cars on a Kentucky highway, causing scenes described as a “madhouse.”

Police said the suspect was still at large and should be considered “armed and dangerous.” People were urged to stay in their homes.

The shooting occurred on Saturday around 5:30 p.m. local time near the small town of London, about 120 kilometers south of Lexington.

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo of the Laurel County Sheriff's Office said at a press conference on Sunday: “When our first two units arrived on the scene, they said it was a madhouse – people on the side of the road, hazard lights on, bullet holes, windows shot out, nine vehicles with gunshot wounds.”

“Can you imagine? Just chaotic.”

Five people were shot and all were in stable condition, although some had “very serious” injuries, including one person who was hit in the face, Acciardo said.

Two other people were injured in an accident caused by the shooting.

A search by officers in a remote forest area was suspended overnight because of darkness and was due to resume at daybreak on Sunday, he said.

Mr Acciardo added: “We have cordoned off the area at the moment. The investigation is still very slow. Our people are still on site. Our special operations team is there. We are trying to find a shooter there.”

The sheriff's office said a “person of interest” had been identified in connection with the shooting and warned people not to approach her.

His name was 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch.

But Mr Acciardo said authorities “have not determined that this is actually the person who fired the gun.”

In a video message, London Mayor Randall Weddle said: “There are currently no fatalities. Thankfully no one has died, but we ask you to continue to pray.”

He added: “We ask people not to shoot in front of their own homes as there may be first responders in the area.”

“It’s important to know that you are safe.

“We have several agencies in this community, in the city of London and in Laurel County.”

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Trooper Scottie Pennington of the Kentucky State Police wrote on Facebook: “The suspect has not yet been caught and we are urging people to stay indoors.”

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said in a post on the social media platform: “I am receiving initial reports from the Kentucky State Police and our Department of Homeland Security – together we are actively monitoring the situation and offering assistance in any way possible.”

“Please pray for everyone involved.”

According to police, the highway, which was closed nine miles north of London after the shooting, reopened about three hours later.