BEREA, KY — A quiet Thursday in Berea turned into a scene of “pure evil” as a masked gunman opened fire during a bank robbery, claiming the lives of two local employees. As of Friday morning, a massive multi-agency manhunt is underway across Madison County to locate the suspect, who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
The Incident: A Community in Mourning
According to Kentucky State Police (KSP) spokesperson Trooper Scottie Pennington, the suspect entered the U.S. Bank branch on East Chestnut Street wearing a gray-and-white hoodie, gloves, and a mask. Without warning, the gunman opened fire, killing one male and one female employee.
“They’re our people that work in our community, and they’re no longer with us,” Pennington said during a press briefing, visibly shaken by the violence. “At this time we do have some leads, and we’re trying our best to bring this evil person to justice.”
While the motive was clearly a robbery, authorities have declined to confirm whether any cash was actually taken from the branch during the deadly encounter.
The Suspect: What We Know
Kentucky State Police have released a surveillance photo of the suspect on social media. He is described as:
- Height: Approximately 6-foot-3.
- Clothing: A gray-and-white hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and a face mask.
- Last Seen: Fleeing the bank toward East Chestnut Street.
Authorities remain unsure if the suspect escaped on foot, used a getaway vehicle, or had an accomplice waiting nearby.
Massive Search Operations: Helicopters, Drones, and K-9s
The search for the gunman has escalated into a federal operation. Local Berea Police, State Troopers, and the FBI are currently scouring the area. The air is thick with the sound of helicopters and drones, while K-9 units are working the ground to pick up a scent.
During the height of the crisis on Thursday, local schools were placed on immediate lockdown. Students were eventually released to their parents under heavy police presence.
Trooper Pennington urged residents to remain hyper-vigilant: “If you see something strange and you don’t feel right about it — you know, your dogs are acting weird — call us.”
U.S. Bank Responds to Tragedy
U.S. Bank issued a statement late Thursday expressing their grief over the loss of their 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. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community.”
The bank is currently working with the FBI to provide any digital evidence that could lead to an arrest.
How You Can Help
Law enforcement is asking anyone with surveillance cameras (Ring doorbells, dashcams) in the East Chestnut Street area to review their footage from Thursday afternoon.
If you have any information, do not approach the suspect. Call 911 or the Kentucky State Police immediately.
Berea residents: How are you feeling about the safety in our town after this incident? Share your messages of support for the victims’ families in the comments below.
