On Thursday afternoon, April 30, 2026, a violent armed robbery at the U.S. Bank on Chestnut Street in Berea, Kentucky, left two employees dead and triggered an intensive multi-agency manhunt. Kentucky State Police (KSP) identified the victims as 35-year-old Breanna Edwards and 42-year-old Brian Switzer. The incident occurred just after 2:00 p.m., prompting immediate lockdowns at Berea College and local public schools as law enforcement flooded the area.
The suspect, described as approximately 6’3″ tall, was last seen wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, dark gloves, and light-colored athletic shoes. Though his face was masked, surveillance images have been circulated to the public. Authorities warned that the individual is considered armed and dangerous, emphasizing that anyone who spots him should not attempt an approach but instead contact 911 or state police immediately.
The search operation has expanded significantly, involving local police, K-9 units, the FBI, ATF, and U.S. Marshals. Investigators are utilizing helicopters and drones to sweep the region while ground units conduct door-to-door inquiries for residential surveillance footage. As the suspect remains at large, residents in the Berea and southern Madison County areas have been advised to keep their homes secured, maintain charged mobile devices, and remain vigilant for any suspicious activity.
UPDATE MAY 01 2026:
After the fatal shooting at the Berea U.S. Bank, federal agents and local law enforcement quickly identified Brailen Weaver by matching the silver BMW seen on surveillance footage to a vehicle he had listed for sale on Facebook. The investigation was further aided by social media photos showing Weaver wearing the same distinctive clothing as the suspect in the robbery video. Early Friday morning, FBI agents spotted the BMW on I-75, sparking a high-speed pursuit that reached 130 mph. The chase ended in Lexington when Weaver crashed the car and fled on foot, leading to a massive manhunt involving helicopters and K-9 units before he was finally apprehended near I-64.
Despite the severity of the incident, Weaver is only 18 years old, and federal filings have not yet highlighted a significant adult criminal record. Because of his age, any potential prior juvenile records would typically remain sealed and have not been disclosed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He now faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison or the death penalty for the federal charges. Kentucky officials have confirmed they will also pursue state murder charges as the investigation continues into how Weaver obtained the firearm used in the attack.