Joseph A. Couch, a former military member from Woodbine, Kentucky, is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on I-75 Road in Laurel County

Early on Sunday, police in southeast Kentucky launched a new manhunt in an effort to find the alleged shooter who they believe opened fire close to Interstate 75, wounding seven people in total between gunshot wounds and auto accidents.

Following the gunshot that occurred on Saturday night at 6 p.m. near exit 49, law enforcement officials are searching the area along the highway on foot and with a drone, according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.

The public has been advised that Joseph A. Couch, 32, is thought to be armed and dangerous by authorities, who have designated him as a person of interest in the shooting.

A representative for the sheriff’s office, Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, informed reporters that investigators “have not determined that this is the individual that fired the weapon.”

Joseph A. Couch is described as a 5’10” white male, weighing approximately 154 pounds. He is considered a “Person of Interest” in the ongoing investigation. Law enforcement agencies, including local police, state troopers, and federal authorities, are actively searching for him, and additional resources have been deployed to assist in the manhunt.