A manhunt is under way after at least seven people were injured when a gunman opened fire on cars on a highway in Kentucky, causing scenes described as “a madhouse”.
Police said the suspect, who remains at large, should be considered “armed and dangerous” and people have been urged to stay in their homes.
The shooting happened near the small city of London, about 75 miles (120km) south of Lexington, at about 5.30pm local time on Saturday.
Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, of Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, told a news conference on Sunday: “When our first two units got to the scene there, they said it was a madhouse – people on the sides of the road, emergency flashers going, bullet holes, windows shot out, nine vehicles shot.
“Can you imagine that? Just chaotic.”
Deputy Gilbert Acciardo says it was ‘chaotic’ in the aftermath of the shooting. Pic: AP
Five people were shot and are all in a stable condition, although some have “very serious” injuries, including one person who was hit in the face, Mr Acciardo said.
Two other people were hurt in a crash caused by the shooting.
A search of a remote wooded area by officers, suspended overnight because of darkness, was to resume at daybreak on Sunday, he said.
Mr Acciardo added: “We do have the area contained right now. It’s a very fluid investigation. Our people are still on the scene. Our special response team is there. We are trying to find a shooter there.”
The sheriff’s office said a “person of interest” has been identified in connection with the shooting and warned people not to approach him.
He was named as 32-year-old Joseph A Couch.
But Mr Acciardo cautioned the authorities “have not determined that this is the individual that fired the weapon”.
Joseph A Couch has been named as a ‘person of interest’. Pic: Laurel County Sheriff’s Office/ Facebook
In a video statement, London Mayor Randall Weddle said: “There are no deceased at this time. No one was killed from this, thankfully, but we ask that you continue to pray.”
He added: “We’re asking folks please do not go outside your home shooting because we might have first responders in that area.
“It’s important to know you are safe.
“We have multiple 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 been caught at this time and we are urging people to stay inside.”
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 Office of Homeland Security – together we are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible.
“Please pray for everyone involved.”
The highway, which was closed nine miles north of London following the shooting, reopened about three hours later, according to police.