Berea, Ky: An 18-year-old man accused of fatally shooting two bank employees during a robbery in Berea has been identified as Brailen Weaver, authorities confirmed, after his arrest following a high-speed police chase that reached speeds of up to 130 miles per hour.
According to investigators, Weaver allegedly entered a U.S. Bank branch on April 30 wearing a mask and armed with a firearm.
Authorities say he opened fire inside the bank, killing two employees before fleeing the scene.
The victims were identified as Breanna Edwards, 35, and Brian Switzer, 42. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Community members described them as dedicated employees and well-known figures in the Berea area.
Following the shooting, law enforcement agencies launched a multi-agency manhunt.
Surveillance footage captured the masked suspect inside the bank, and investigators later linked Weaver to a silver BMW believed to have been used as the getaway vehicle.
Authorities located the vehicle roughly a day later, initiating a pursuit along Interstate 75. During the chase, Weaver allegedly drove at speeds exceeding 130 mph, weaving through traffic in an attempt to evade capture.
The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed. Weaver then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by officers.
A firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered at the scene, officials said.
Weaver now faces multiple serious charges, including armed bank robbery and firearm-related homicide. Federal prosecutors are expected to take over the case, which could result in additional charges.
Investigators have not yet publicly disclosed a motive for the attack, and officials say the case remains active as they continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
The shooting has left the Berea community shaken. Local leaders are planning a vigil to honor Edwards and Switzer, whose deaths have prompted an outpouring of grief and support.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy,” a local official said. “Our hearts go out to the victims’ families and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.”
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about Weaver’s movements before or after the incident to contact investigators as the case continues to develop.
A social media image tied to suspect Brailen Weaver allegedly shows a person holding cash alongside the caption, “I pledge allegiance to da bag,” according to federal court documents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Investigators said images from Weaver’s social media accounts appeared to show him wearing clothing similar to what the robbery suspect had on.
Authorities also reported that location data and surveillance footage later tracked Weaver traveling along Interstate 75 on the evening of the shooting, which led to a high-speed pursuit involving federal, state, and local law enforcement.
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