Two Kentucky bank workers were gunned down by a masked robber Thursday before the cold-blooded killer led police on a 35-minute high-speed chase and sparked an intense manhunt.
A man wearing a gray-white hoodie, gloves and a mask — and who remains at large — entered the US Bank branch in Berea, Ky., 36 miles from Lexington, just after 2 p.m., and fatally shot employees Breanna Bryant Edwards, 35, and Brian Switzer, 42, according to the Kentucky State Police.
Police responded following reports of a robbery and discovered Edwards and Switzer suffering from gunshot wounds. The pair was later pronounced dead.
“Somebody came into our town and hurt one of our own,” Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington told Lex18. “I don’t even have to know them … they work right here, so I’m aggravated. People behind me are aggravated. We’re sworn to protect our community, and that’s what we’re going to our best to do.”
Kentucky State Police spotted the suspect driving a silver BMW with Alabama license plates and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, according to officials and Lex18.
The alleged killer took off and led police on a 35-minute high-speed pursuit until he crashed the car into a tree, KSP Trooper Justin Kearny told WKYT.
Local, state and federal agents launched a massive manhunt for the murder suspect Thursday night.
Officials were seen walking door to door, using drones and helicopters to search the area for the wanted individual.
“At this time we do have some leads, and we’re trying our best to bring this evil person to justice,” Pennington said.
The suspect was captured on security footage entering the bank wearing a light-colored hoodie, dark gloves, gray pants and light-colored athletic shoes.
Officials described the gunman as standing approximately 6 feet 3 inches.
He is deemed armed and dangerous.
After the shooting, local schools, including nearby Berea College, were placed on lockdown for a short time.
US Bank called the fatal shooting of two of its employees a “tragic event” as it said it was working with law enforcement.
“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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