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BEREA, Ky. (AP) — Tragedy struck a Kentucky bank when a robbery led to the fatal shooting of two employees, prompting an intensive manhunt for the perpetrator, authorities announced on Thursday.
A suspect, dressed in a gray-white hoodie, gloves, and mask, entered the U.S. Bank branch in Berea and fatally shot a male and female employee, according to Trooper Scottie Pennington of the Kentucky State Police.
“These were members of our community who are now tragically gone,” Pennington shared with the press. “We are following several leads and are fully committed to ensuring this individual faces justice.”
In the pursuit of the suspect, law enforcement officers are conducting door-to-door inquiries, reviewing surveillance footage, and employing helicopters, drones, and canine units, Pennington explained. The search effort includes local and state police, the FBI, and other federal entities.
Details on whether the suspect made an escape by vehicle, on foot, or with assistance remain unclear, and authorities did not disclose whether anything was taken from the bank, Pennington noted.
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 strange and you don’t feel right about it — you know, your dogs are acting weird — call us,” Pennington said. He urged residents to be vigilant and to keep their porch lights on and phones charged.
Area schools went into lockdown for a while until campuses were deemed safe. Students were not allowed to go home on buses and had to be picked up by their parents, Pennington said.
U.S. Bank said it was working closely with law enforcement and committed to supporting the victims’ families and bank 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 company said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community.”
Berea is about 36 miles (58 kilometers) south of Lexington.