Tragedy struck a Kentucky bank on Thursday as a robbery escalated into a fatal shooting, leaving two employees dead. The pursuit for the suspect continues, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Kentucky State Police spokesperson, Trooper Scottie Pennington, described the suspect as a man clad in a gray-and-white hoodie, gloves, and a mask. He entered the U.S. Bank branch in Berea and began shooting, tragically taking the lives of a male and a female employee.
“These were members of our community, and their loss is deeply felt,” Pennington expressed. “We are following leads and are determined to bring this dangerous individual to justice.”
To aid in the search, state police have shared a photograph of the suspect on social media. Standing at approximately 6-foot-3, the suspect was last seen fleeing towards East Chestnut Street.
The circumstances of the suspect’s escape remain uncertain, with authorities unsure if he continued on foot, used a vehicle, or had outside help.
Authorities said it remains unclear whether the suspect later escaped on foot, in a vehicle or with assistance.
Pennington declined to say whether anything was taken during the robbery.
Law enforcement agencies, including local police, state troopers and the FBI, are searching for the suspect, using helicopters, drones and K-9 units.
Kentucky State Police are leading the investigation into a deadly bank shooting in Berea, authorities said. (Scotty Perry/Bloomberg)
“If you see something strange and you don’t feel right about it — you know, your dogs are acting weird — call us,” Pennington said.
Police said local schools were temporarily placed on lockdown, with students later released to their parents.
U.S. Bank said it is working closely with law enforcement and supporting those affected.
Kentucky State Police are searching for a suspect following a deadly shooting at a bank in Berea. (Lexington Herald-Leader / Contributor)
“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.”
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