(WKYT) – UPDATE: A suspect in the deadly Berea bank shooting has been arrested, according to the Madison County Sheriff.
Kentucky State Police Trooper Justin Kearney said the FBI has taken over the investigation, and also confirmed that a person of interest was apprehended.
The suspect was captured near Interstate 64, according to Kearney.
Update: Kentucky State Police have identified the victims in Thursday’s deadly bank shooting in Berea.
Trooper Justin Kearney confirmed that Breanna Edwards, 35, of Madison County, and Brian Switzer, 42, of Jessamine County, were both employees of the U.S. Bank and were shot by the still unnamed suspect during the robbery.
Kearney said that the unnamed male suspect is still on the loose and that law enforcement are searching an area around the intersection of Bryan Station and Johnston roads in Lexington.
The suspect’s vehicle was spotted in Berea. Law enforcement attempted a traffic stop, but the suspect fled, leading to a chase.
The pursuit ended in Fayette County when the suspect crashed his car into a tree.
Kearney cautioned that the suspect is considered armed and dangerous, and that the public should call 911 or their local state police post with information as the investigation remains ongoing.
He also confirmed that an earlier police scene in Stanford was tied to the investigation.
State police have been assisted by the Berea Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.
Lexington police are no longer out searching for the suspect, with the investigation being led by the FBI and state police.
This is a developing story.
Original Story: Kentucky law enforcement officials are searching for a suspect in a deadly Berea bank robbery.
Kentucky State Police said that the bank robbery happened at the U.S. Bank on Chestnut Street at about 2 p.m.
Trooper Scottie Pennington confirmed that two bank employees were fatally shot. He said the victims were a man and a woman.
KSP said the suspect fled the area.
Troopers and other law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the suspect.
Trooper Kearney released a photo of a suspect. He said the suspect is wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, dark gloves, gray sweatpants, and light-colored athletic shoes.
The Berea Police Department reports that the suspect is armed and dangerous.
KSP is asking the public to avoid the area and report anything suspicious. If you see something, say something.
Berea College’s campus was placed on lockdown amid the search. A spokesperson with the college confirmed that the lockdown has since been lifted.
The ATF Lexington confirmed that they are on the scene to assist local partners. They said the agency cannot comment further as this is an active and ongoing investigation.