Two bank employees were shot and killed Thursday during a robbery at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, Kentucky, after a man wearing a gray-and-white hoodie, gloves and a mask walked in and opened fire. Kentucky State Police released a photo of the suspect as the search widened across the area.
The victims were a male employee and a female employee, and authorities said the suspect is believed to be about 6-foot-3. He fled toward East Chestnut Street, but police said it remained unclear whether he later escaped on foot, in a vehicle or with help.
Trooper Scottie Pennington said the people killed were not strangers to the town. “They’re our people that work in our community, and they’re no longer with us,” he said. He added that investigators had “some leads” and were trying “our best to bring this evil person to justice.”
Police, state troopers and the FBI searched for the suspect with helicopters, drones and K-9 units after the shooting, which briefly put local schools on lockdown. Students were later released to their parents.
The robbery is now the focus of an active police investigation, and authorities have not said whether anything was taken. The suspect had not been located by Thursday evening, and Pennington urged the public to call if anything looked out of place. “If you see something strange and you don’t feel right about it — you know, your dogs are acting weird — call us,” he said.
U.S. Bank said it was working closely with law enforcement and supporting those affected. “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 bank said. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community.” For now, the berea bank robbery has left a town grieving and a manhunt still unresolved.