Berea Bank Shooting Obituary Death; Authorities in Berea are investigating a deadly bank robbery that left two employees dead and triggered a multi-agency manhunt across central Kentucky. The victims have been identified as Breanna Bryant Edwards, 35, of Berea, and Brian Switzer, 42, of Jessamine County.
According to the Kentucky State Police, both victims were working at the U.S. Bank branch on Chestnut Street when an armed suspect entered during a robbery and opened fire. Troopers say Edwards died at the scene, while Switzer was rushed to St. Joseph Hospital in Berea, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
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Investigators identified the suspect as 18-year-old Brailen Weaver, who allegedly fled the bank on foot after the shooting. Police later used a Flock camera system to track a suspected getaway vehicle, leading to a traffic pursuit across multiple counties in central Kentucky.
The chase ended Thursday night around 9:30 p.m. after the vehicle crashed, but officials say Weaver again fled on foot. By early Friday morning, law enforcement agencies including local, state, and federal units were still searching the area near Johnston Road and Bryant Station Road close to the Bourbon and Fayette County lines.
Officials have described the suspect as armed and extremely dangerous, urging the public not to approach him and to contact 911 immediately if he is seen. The search continues as authorities work to bring him into custody.
Beyond the investigation, the victims are being remembered by their communities. Breanna Edwards, who also ran a photography business, is survived by her husband and two children. Friends say she was known for her creativity, warmth, and devotion to family.
Brian Switzer, a client relationship consultant at U.S. Bank and graduate of Tate’s Creek High School in Lexington, is being remembered for his professionalism, community involvement, and volunteer work with his wife through the Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road.
As the manhunt continues, both families and the wider community are left grieving a violent tragedy that has shaken the region. Authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing.