Two U.S. Bank workers died after gunfire inside a Berea branch.
BEREA, Ky. — A person of interest was in custody Friday after two employees were fatally shot during a robbery at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, ending an overnight search that stretched from Madison County toward Lexington.
The victims were identified by Kentucky State Police as Breanna Edwards, 35, of Madison County, and Brian Switzer, 42, of Jessamine County. Police said both were employees at the Chestnut Street bank. The shooting drew a large response from Berea police, state police, sheriff’s deputies, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
State police said the robbery was reported about 2 p.m. Thursday. Trooper Scottie Pennington said a masked man entered the bank, and two employees were shot and killed. Police released an image of the suspect and said he wore a light-colored hoodie, dark gloves, gray sweatpants and light-colored athletic shoes. Authorities said the suspect left the bank after the shooting.
The search widened after police spotted a vehicle believed to be tied to the suspect. Troopers said officers tried to make a traffic stop in Berea, but the driver fled. The pursuit ended in Fayette County after the vehicle crashed into a tree. Officers then searched the area around Bryan Station and Johnston roads in Lexington, using helicopters, drones and police dogs.
The robbery also disrupted nearby campuses and schools. Berea College was placed on lockdown while officers searched for the suspect, and the lockdown was later lifted. Police said several agencies remained involved because the case included a bank robbery, fatal shootings and a chase across county lines.
By Friday, Trooper Justin Kearney said a person of interest believed to be involved had been apprehended near Interstate 64. WKYT reported that a federal criminal complaint identified the suspect as Brailen Weaver. Kearney said the FBI had taken over the investigation. Officials had not immediately released the full complaint, a charging timeline or a motive.
U.S. Bank called the killings a tragic event and said it was supporting the victims’ families, coworkers and the wider Berea community. Police said the investigation remained active as federal and state authorities reviewed evidence from the bank, the pursuit and the arrest.
Authorities said more information would be released as the federal investigation continues. No hearing date or final list of charges had been announced by Friday morning.
Author note: Last updated May 1, 2026.