Two dead in bank robbery, shooting in Central Kentucky. Police search for suspect
Two people were killed in a bank robbery that ended in a shooting in Madison County Thursday afternoon, according to local officials.
The incident happened around 2 p.m. at the U.S. Bank on Chestnut Street in Berea. Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelison said two people, a man and a woman, died in the shooting.
One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene while the other died at Saint Joseph Berea Hospital, according to Cornelison. Their identities and ages weren’t provided.
Trooper Scottie Pennington said the victims were employees of the bank.
Kentucky State Police spokesperson Sherry Bray confirmed there was a shooting at the bank. Trooper Justin Kearney said the suspect fled the bank before police arrived, and officers are actively searching the area.
As of 5:30 p.m., officials were still searching for the suspect, according to Pennington. Detectives don’t know how the suspect fled from the scene but have some leads.
“We’re trying our best to bring this evil person to justice,” Pennington said during a news conference, which was live-streamed by the Richmond Register. “We have all the resources provided to us right now.”
The suspect was last seen wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, dark gloves, gray sweatpants and light-colored athletic shoes, according to Kearney. Anyone with information about the suspect is encouraged to call state police at 859-623-2404.
Berea police said the suspect is armed and dangerous.
“We are asking the public to avoid the area and report anything suspicious,” Kearney said on social media. “If you see something, say something.”
WBON TV in Madison County reported that EMS and the Madison County coroner were at the scene. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said its agents are assisting law enforcement at the scene.
Berea police told Madison County Schools to pause its bus routes in Berea while the search is ongoing, according to the school district. All buses were eventually released at 3:20 p.m., and any on-campus activities are scheduled to take place as planned.
Rep. Andy Barr said he was praying for the employees and customers who experienced the incident at the bank.
“I’m praying for the employees and customers who were put in harms way,” Barr said on social media. “I want to thank Madison County Sheriff Mike Coyle, Berea Police, and the KSP for responding.”
While police searched for the suspect, officials confirmed Berea College was on lockdown, according to WKYT, the Herald-Leader’s reporting partner.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 3:06 PM.
