Berea, Kentucky — Two bank employees were shot and killed during a robbery in Kentucky, and a search is still underway for the suspect, authorities said Thursday.
A man wearing a gray and white hoodie, gloves and a mask entered a U.S. Bank branch in Berea and shot a male and female employee, said Trooper Scotty Pennington, a Kentucky State Police spokesman.
“They are our people who work in our community, and they are no longer with us,” Pennington told reporters. “Right now we have some evidence, and we are doing everything we can to bring this evil person to justice.”
Pennington said law enforcement officials were going house to house looking for information and surveillance videos, in addition to using helicopters, drones and dogs. Local and state police participated along with the FBI and other federal agencies.
The spokesman said it was not clear whether the suspect fled in a car or on foot or was arrested. He declined to say whether the suspect left the bank with anything.
State Police posted a photo of the suspect on social media and asked people to call if they recognize him or have information.
“If you see something weird and you don’t feel good about it — you know, your dogs acting weird — give us a call,” Pennington said. He called on citizens to be careful, light up their homes and charge their phones.
Area schools were closed for a period of time until the campus was deemed safe. Students were not allowed to go home by bus and their parents had to pick them up, Pennington said.
US Bank said it is working closely with law enforcement and is committed to supporting the victims’ families and their colleagues at the bank.
The company said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic event that claimed the lives of two of our employees at our branch in Berea, Kentucky, earlier today.” “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues, and the entire Berea community.”
Berea is located about 36 miles (58 kilometers) south of Lexington.