Kentucky bank robbery leaves two dead, suspect charged

BEREA, Kentucky — A man has been charged in connection with a deadly bank robbery that left two people dead and ended in a high-speed police chase across central Kentucky, federal authorities said.

The suspect, identified as Brailen Weaver, faces federal charges including armed bank robbery and firearms offenses resulting in death, according to court records.

Deadly shooting inside bank

Investigators say Weaver entered a branch of U.S. Bank in Berea shortly before 2 p.m. Thursday and opened fire immediately.

According to an affidavit from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

• A male victim was shot and killed upon entry
• A bank teller was fatally shot moments later
• The suspect searched multiple drawers before fleeing

Authorities have not confirmed whether any money was taken.

Suspect identified through surveillance

Law enforcement officials traced the suspect using surveillance footage and online activity.

A silver BMW seen leaving the scene was linked to Weaver through a vehicle listing posted on social media. Investigators also matched clothing worn during the robbery to images shared online.

Officials said the suspect continued posting on social media after the attack.

High-speed chase across Kentucky

The suspect was located later that evening on Interstate 75, prompting a pursuit involving multiple agencies.

According to investigators:

• Speeds exceeded 100 mph on the highway
• The chase reached over 130 mph in Lexington
• The vehicle crashed before the suspect fled on foot

Authorities launched a large-scale search involving helicopters, drones and K-9 units before the suspect was taken into custody.

Massive law enforcement response

The operation involved multiple agencies, including:

• Local police departments
• County sheriff’s offices
• The FBI
• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Officials canvassed neighborhoods door-to-door, seeking surveillance footage and witness accounts.

Community impact

The incident prompted temporary lockdowns at nearby schools, with students held on campus until authorities deemed the area safe.

The Berea branch of U.S. Bank is located near Berea College, in a typically quiet community south of Lexington.

In a statement, the bank expressed condolences to the victims’ families and employees.

Ongoing investigation

Authorities have not released full details about the suspect’s background, including his exact age or hometown.

Legal proceedings are expected to continue in federal court as investigators gather further evidence.

A violent bank robbery in Kentucky has left two people dead and triggered a multi-agency manhunt, ending with the suspect in custody and facing serious federal charges.