By Raja Razek and Emma Tucker | CNN
A manhunt is underway for a suspect after several people were shot Saturday near Interstate 75 in a rural area in Laurel County, Kentucky, located south of Lexington, according to the sheriff’s office.
“I-75 is closed at mile marker/Exit 49, and U.S. 25, nine miles north of London due to an active shooter situation,” the Laurel County Sheriff’s office said in a post on Facebook. “Numerous persons have been shot near I-75.”
Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington said via social media the suspect “has not been caught at this time. We are urging people to stay inside.” Law enforcement will provide “as much information as it becomes available,” he added.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Louisville said in a statement its officers were responding and assisting the Kentucky State Police and local authorities with a “critical incident” near Interstate 75.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said the interstate is closed from exit 41 to exit 59, both northbound and southbound lanes, as police report an active shooter situation. “Please avoid the area. Seek alternate routes,” the statement said
In a post on X, Gov. Andy Beshear wrote: “Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County. Law enforcement has shut the interstate down in both directions at exit 49. Please avoid the area. We will provide more details once they are available.”
The governor said he’s hearing “initial reports” from the state police and the state’s Office of Homeland Security.
“Together we are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible. Please pray for everyone involved,” he said in another statement on X.
London, Kentucky, is located around 80 miles south of Lexington.
Matt Downing told CNN he’s been stuck on the interstate for more than an hour after police stopped traffic due to the active shooter situation. Downing was traveling on I-75 north when a police car began swerving in all lanes to stop traffic, he said.
In a video shared with CNN, a police car can be seen traveling at a fast speed by traffic.
Downing estimates at least 30 police cars have driven by him while he’s been stopped on the highway. As of 7:30 p.m., Downing says authorities have begun slowly turning traffic around in the opposite direction.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNN’s Sara Smart contributed to this report.