Police Search After 2 Killed in Berea Bank Robbery

The berea bank robbery at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, Kentucky, left two employees dead on Thursday after a man wearing a gray-and-white hoodie, gloves and a mask entered the building and opened fire. Kentucky State Police said the suspect fled toward East Chestnut Street as the search widened across the area.

Scottie Pennington, a Kentucky State Police spokesperson, said the dead were a male employee and a female employee. He also said, "They’re our people that work in our community, and they’re no longer with us" as investigators worked to track the suspect.

Scottie Pennington Search

Pennington said Kentucky State Police released a photo of the suspect on social media and believe he is about 6-foot-3. He said local police, state troopers and the FBI are searching with helicopters, drones and K-9 units.

Pennington also said, "At this time we do have some leads, and we’re trying our best to bring this evil person to justice." He declined to say whether anything was taken during the robbery, leaving the case centered on the shooting, the escape and the effort to identify the man before he gets farther away.

U.S. Bank Berea Branch

U.S. Bank said it is working closely with law enforcement and supporting those affected. In a statement, the bank said, "We’re deeply saddened by the tragic event that took the lives of two of our employees at our Berea, Kentucky branch earlier today," and added, "Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community."

Police said local schools were temporarily placed on lockdown and students were later released to their parents. Pennington urged the public to report anything unusual, saying, "If you see something strange and you don’t feel right about it — you know, your dogs are acting weird — call us," as the search continued around Berea.