Authorities in Laurel County, Kentucky, are confident that they have contained the person of interest in a shooting incident that occurred on Interstate 75 Saturday evening, approximately eight miles north of London. The spokesperson for the Laurel County Sheriff's Department, Gilbert Acciardo, announced during a news conference that Joseph A. Crouch is now considered a suspect in the ongoing police investigation.

The silver Honda CRV belonging to Crouch was discovered in a wooded area near the interstate, fueling suspicions that he may still be in the vicinity. Officers also found an AR-15 rifle and a loaded magazine in the same location. However, Acciardo cautioned that Crouch could be anywhere, urging residents to remain vigilant as the police continue their investigation.

The authorities are extending their search to neighboring Whitley County, where Crouch resides. Thankfully, Crouch's family is cooperating with law enforcement officials. During the investigation, officers seized an AR-15 rifle, which they believe may have been used in the shooting. Fully loaded magazines were also found in the wooded area, although it remains unconfirmed if the rifle was loaded at the time of its discovery.

Crouch's vehicle, accompanied by a gun case, registered in his name was found near the interstate on Saturday night. However, the dense foliage and rocky terrain have significantly hindered the search effort, with law enforcement facing difficulties in scouring the wooded area. Acciardo informed reporters that a drone equipped with an infrared detector is being used to aid in the search, but the foliage prevents it from capturing desired visuals. Additionally, large road cuts in the area could potentially conceal Couch from both view and aerial sensors.

Approximately 30 to 40 officers, including state and federal agents, are actively involved in the search. Acciardo expressed confidence that Crouch is hiding in the dense woods. Despite this belief, the community is advised to exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings.

As a result of the ongoing manhunt, multiple businesses in London have temporarily ceased indoor service and are exclusively operating drive-throughs. The shooting incident prompted the closure of Interstate 75 near Exit 49 and U.S. Route 25 for several hours. Nine vehicles were found with bullet holes and damaged windows, resulting in five individuals being wounded.

Three gunshot victims were transported to a local hospital, Saint Joseph London Hospital, for treatment, while two others were taken to UK HealthCare in Lexington. Thankfully, all the victims are expected to recover from their injuries.

Authorities determined that the shooter had positioned themselves near Exit 49 and had fired multiple rounds at passing vehicles. After a more than three-hour closure, the highway was reopened around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The search efforts continued until approximately 3 a.m. before resuming on Sunday morning at 9 a.m., with the assistance of a Kentucky State Police helicopter and various first-response agencies.

Special response teams from the U.S. Marshals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Laurel County Sheriff's Department have collaborated to track down the suspect. Acciardo assured the public that law enforcement is equipped with an array of resources and is confident in capturing Crouch.

With the resources at their disposal and the support of the community, law enforcement is optimistic about resolving the situation swiftly. As investigations continue, London Mayor Randall Weddle urged residents to remain vigilant and keep the victims, their families, and the first responders in their thoughts and prayers.

Events like this shooting incident are atypical for the usually quiet community of London, which has left residents on edge. People like Ophelia Riley, who has family involved in the investigation, have been anxiously monitoring the situation and making efforts to stay informed.

As authorities intensify their search, they emphasize the importance of community support and cooperation in bringing the situation to a safe conclusion, while also reminding individuals to prioritize their personal safety.

Please note: This article is based on the provided information and may not include all the details surrounding the incident.