The suspect in a deadly Berea bank shooting is now facing federal charges.
Brailen Weaver, 18, was detained near Interstate 64 in Lexington Friday morning.
Weaver has been federally charged with armed bank robbery, use of a firearm in a crime of violence and causing death with a firearm in the course of the crime of violence.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office is working collaboratively with federal authorities and will pursue state murder charges against Weaver. He said that his office “will do everything possible to deliver justice” for the families of the two Kentuckians killed.
According to an affidavit from a FBI agent, 18-year-old Brailen Weaver entered a U.S. Bank located at 630 Chestnut Street in Berea, Kentucky at about 1:57 p.m. on Thursday, April 30.
Upon entering the bank, Weaver immediately shot and killed a male victim, identified as 42-year-old Brian Switzer, of Jessamine County. Shortly thereafter, Weaver shot and killed a teller, identified as 35-year-old Breanna Edwards, of Madison County. Weaver checked multiple drawers and then immediately left the bank.
The bank’s surveillance footage showed an apparent white or light-skinned male with a slim build wearing a black mask, black gloves, a light-colored hoodie, medium grey pants, and white sneakers with light grey accents.
The suspect than fled from the bank towards Davis & Powell Funeral Home located near the bank. Surveillance footage showed a silver BMW sedan with Alabama license plate, according to the affidavit.
The agent wrote that officers tracked the vehicle and the suspect’s shoes to Weaver, using social media.
Weaver continued to post on social media the night of the shooting, according to the affidavit.
Law enforcement located Weaver in Somerset and later tracked him on Interstate-75.
The FBI identified Weaver’s vehicle on Interstate-75. Federal, state and local law enforcement then pursued Weaver. Weaver allegedly exceeded speeds of 100 miles per hour throughout the pursuit. Weaver avoided damage from spike strips placed on the interstate and quickly took exit 115, heading inbound towards downtown Lexington, allegedly reaching speeds of about 130 miles per hour on Newtown Pike. Weaver crashed the BMW and then began fleeing on foot, according to the affidavit.
Law enforcement located a firearm in the BMW.
Weaver was captured near Interstate 64 Friday morning, according to Kentucky State Police Trooper Justin Kearney.
Weaver is expected to appear in Lexington’s United States District Court Monday at 2 p.m.
Source: WBKO
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