Knoxville, Tennessee – A Terrifying Encounter on I-75
What began as a routine road trip turned into a frightening experience for two friends traveling through London, Kentucky, on Saturday evening. Christina DiNoto, who was behind the wheel, was driving her friend back to Knoxville from Rochester, New York, when they unexpectedly found themselves in the midst of gunfire.
Gunfire Strikes on the Interstate
At around 5:30 PM, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office received reports of gunfire along I-75 at exit 49. Authorities later confirmed that nine vehicles were struck by bullets, resulting in injuries to five individuals.
“All of a sudden, we heard a loud noise – it sounded like an explosion,” DiNoto recalled. “It was so loud that we both jumped.” Initially, the friends thought they had hit a rock, but doubt began to creep in when the car next to them started to slow down and pull over. DiNoto’s friend, Jeremy, soon asked, “Was that a gunshot?”
Realizing the Danger
As they continued driving, they noticed several police cars and ambulances speeding past them in the opposite direction. “I would have never in a million years thought that there would be an active shooter on the highway,” DiNoto remarked. “That sounds like something out of a movie.”
Upon arriving back in Knoxville, DiNoto inspected her vehicle to assess the damage. “On my metal rim, there’s a huge divot in it. I can fit my index finger inside it, and above that, there’s paint stripped off my rear quarter panel,” she explained. “What I believe happened is that the white truck next to us was shot and pulled over, and then the bullet ricocheted off and hit my vehicle.”
Thankful for Their Safety
Despite the significant damage to her car, DiNoto expressed gratitude that they were unharmed. “I was just on a casual road trip, and you would never think anything like that would happen. It really puts into perspective what a scary world we’re living in now. You can’t even go about doing normal things without the threat of violence,” she stated.
Search for the Suspect
In the aftermath of the incident, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office identified a person of interest in the case. Officials are looking for 32-year-old Joseph A. Couch, described as being around 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 154 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities advise the public not to approach him. Anyone with information on Couch’s whereabouts is urged to contact the London-Laurel County 911 center.
A Community on Alert
This incident has left the community in shock, as a routine stretch of highway turned into a scene of chaos. Witnesses and travelers alike are reminded to stay vigilant, as situations like this can arise unexpectedly. While the motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, the community is reeling from the effects of such a distressing event.
As stories like DiNoto’s circulate, they remind everyone of the importance of safety and being aware of one’s surroundings in everyday scenarios, especially when traveling.
