Berea bank robbery suspect Brailen Weaver to remain in U.S. Marshals custody

UPDATE: May 1 at 5 p.m.

Media partner LEX 18 in court confirmed that the suspect in the deadly Berea bank robbery, 18-year-old Brailen Weaver will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals after he waived his right to a detention hearing.

A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for May 12.

UPDATE: May 1 at 4 p.m.

Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Friday that he will pursue state murder charges against 18-year-old Brailen Weaver following a bank robbery in Berea that left two people dead.

“The Kentucky Attorney General’s Office is working collaboratively with federal authorities, and we will pursue state murder charges following the shootings in Berea. We are supporting the fine men and women of Kentucky law enforcement who worked through the night to apprehend this criminal. For the families of the two Kentuckians killed, we will do everything possible to deliver justice.”

UPDATE: May 1 at 10:30 a.m.

A federal criminal complaint charges 18-year-old Brailen Weaver with armed bank robbery and related offenses after a gunman entered a US Bank in Berea on April 30 shot and killed 2 people, and fled.

According to an affidavit filed by FBI Special Agent Isaac Robison, a suspect, identified as Weaver, entered the US Bank at Chestnut St. in Berea at around 1:57 p.m. Upon entering, Weaver immediately shot and killed a man. Shortly after, he shot and killed a bank teller and then checked multiple drawers before leaving the bank.

He then reportedly fled the scene. Surveillance footage captured a silver BMW sedan with Alabama license plate A0DYH97 near the scene.

Investigators traced the BMW to a Facebook listing posted by an account with the display name Brailen Weaver, the complaint revealed. An emergency disclosure served to Facebook identified the account owner as Brailen Weaver, born in June 2007.

Investigators found that Weaver’s social media accounts contained a photo of him wearing the same shoes seen on the suspect in bank surveillance footage, as well as a photo of him wearing the same style of pants. Weaver also shares the same physical build as the suspect.

Law enforcement also learned that Weaver was seen on video surveillance at a gas station a few weeks before the robbery in the silver BMW suspect vehicle.

At around 8:00 p.m. on the night of the robbery, Weaver continued to post on social media.

Location data for Weaver on the evening of April 30 reportedly placed him in Somerset, the complaint noted.

The FBI identified Weaver’s vehicle on Interstate 75. Federal, state, and local law enforcement pursued Weaver. During the chase, Weaver exceeded speeds of 100 miles per hour. Weaver avoided spike strips placed on the interstate and took exit 115, heading toward downtown Lexington, reaching speeds of approximately 130 miles per hour on Newtown Pike. Weaver then crashed the BMW and fled on foot.

Law enforcement recovered a firearm from the BMW, the complaint added.

Weaver faces charges of armed bank robbery, use and discharge of a firearm in a crime of violence, and causing death with a firearm in the course of a violent crime.

UPDATE: May 1 at 6:05 a.m.

Lexington police have confirmed with media partner LEX 18 that the suspect in the deadly bank robbery in Berea is in custody.

According to Lexington police, they assisted Kentucky State Police and the FBI in locating the suspect.

KSP Trooper Kearney posted the following on Facebook:

UPDATE: April 30 at 11:30 p.m.

During a press conference, KSP Trooper Kearney identified the victims of the deadly bank robbery in Berea Thursday afternoon as 35-year-old Breanna Edwards and 42-year-old Brian Switzer.

UPDATE: April 30 at 11 p.m.

An active search is underway in Fayette County for a suspect reportedly on foot in the area of Johnston Road in wanted in connection to a deadly Thursday afternoon bank robbery in Berea.

According to KSP, the search has taken officers throughout central Kentucky in Stanford, Somerset, Rockcastle County and Lexington.

Officers began searching for the suspect driving a silver BMW with Alabama plates using FLOCK cameras. The vehicle’s ownership has changed multiple times, but the registration for the vehicle was never changed following the sale, presenting an issue locating the suspect as the search continued.

KSP told media partner LEX 18 that the vehicle was moving at a high rate of speed Thursday evening before a chase ended in the area of Johnston Road in Fayette County.

As of now, a large police presence remains active in the 600 block of Johnston Road near Paris Pike and Bryan Station Road. Bryan Station Road by Briar Hill Road is currently is currently blocked off to all traffic; drivers are urged to avoid the area.

UPDATE: April 30 at 5:20 p.m.

Kentucky State Police have confirmed that two people, one man and woman, are dead following an afternoon bank robbery in Berea. Both were confirmed to be employees at the bank.

The robbery and shooting happened just after 2 p.m. Thursday at the U.S. Bank location on Chestnut Street. KSP Trooper Scottie Pennington confirmed that there were members of the public in the bank at the time.

Multiple agencies remain present in the area as the search for the suspect continues. The public is encouraged to keep their doors locked and contact police with any tips.

“Somebody came in to our town and hurt one of our own,” Pennington said. “I don’t even have to know them…they work right here, so I’m aggravated. People behind me are aggravated. We’re sworn to protect our community, and that’s what we’re going to our best to do.”

Original Story: 

A trooper with the Kentucky State Police reported that officials are on the scene of a bank robbery at the US Bank on Chestnut Street in Berea Thursday. Media partner LEX 18 on the scene is reporting that FBI has arrived.

The suspect has reportedly fled the scene and law enforcement agencies are actively searching the area. KSP asked the public to avoid the area and report any suspicious activity.

Trooper Kearney reported that the suspect in the picture is described as around 6 feet 3 inches tall, wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, dark gloves, gray sweatpants, and light-colored athletic shoes.

Berea Police Department

Kearney asked that if anyone recognizes this individual contact KSP Post 7 at 859-623-2404 or local law enforcement immediately. Kearney added “do not approach.”

Madison County Schools added that the Berea Police Department has requested that buses be held in the Berea area temporarily while they work the scene.

The Berea Independent School District reported that school dismissal will be delayed “until it it safe for buses and car riders to travel.”

This is a developing story and media partner ABC 36 News Now will have additional information as it becomes available.