A frantic manhunt has been launched for an "armed and dangerous" suspect following a horrifying mass shooting that took place near a highway in Kentucky on Saturday night. The incident left five individuals seriously injured, with authorities intensifying their search efforts to apprehend Joseph A. Couch, 32, who is believed to have acted alone.

According to the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, deputies are scouring a remote wooded area near the scene of the shooting on Interstate 75 in search of Couch. Described as a white male, standing 5-feet-10-inches tall and weighing 154 pounds, his image has been shared on social media to aid in his identification.

Initially considered a person of interest, Couch was upgraded to a suspect after investigators discovered his vehicle near the crime scene. Laurel County Deputy Gilbert Acciardo confirmed that the suspect is believed to have acted alone, easing concerns about an ongoing threat to public safety.

The sheriff's office reported that nine vehicles had been targeted in both the north and southbound lanes of Interstate 75. All five victims sustained gunshot wounds. While the identities of the victims have not been disclosed, Acciardo provided a brief update on their conditions, stating that they are in stable condition and expected to recover from the horrific ordeal.

Acciardo described the perpetrator's actions as "sniper-like" and urged residents to remain vigilant in light of the incident. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear at this point, with Acciardo terming it a "random act" rather than a result of road rage.

Remarkably, Acciardo revealed that the shooter was not inside a vehicle when carrying out the attacks. The weapon used by the suspect was found in a wooded location near the interstate, prompting further investigation and processing of the firearm. Additionally, law enforcement recovered a gun case and several charged magazines from Couch's vehicle.

Intensive search efforts involving approximately 50 to 60 members of law enforcement continued until the early hours of Sunday morning. A smaller, specialized group has since taken over the search today, focusing on tracking down the armed suspect to ensure the safety of the community.

As the investigation is ongoing, this remains a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates on this shocking mass shooting incident near a Kentucky highway.