Two employees of a bank in Kentucky were shot dead during a robbery, prompting a large-scale manhunt for the suspect, authorities said.
The incident occurred at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, where a man wearing a gray-white hoodie, gloves and a mask entered the bank and shot a male and a female employee, said Trooper Scottie Pennington, a spokesperson for the Kentucky State Police.
"They're our people that work in our community, and they're no longer with us," Pennington told reporters. "At this time we do have some leads, and we're trying our best to bring this evil person to justice."
Law enforcement officials have been going door to door to gather information and check surveillance footage, while helicopters, drones and dogs are being used in the search, Pennington said. Local and state police are working alongside the FBI and other federal agencies.
It was not immediately clear whether the suspect fled in a vehicle, on foot or was picked up, the spokesperson said. He also declined to say whether the suspect left the bank with anything.
State police have released a photo of the suspect on social media and urged people to come forward if they recognize him or have any information.
"If you see something strange and you don't feel right about it — you know, your dogs are acting weird — call us," Pennington said.
He urged residents to remain alert and take precautions such as keeping porch lights on and phones charged.
Nearby schools were placed under temporary lockdown following the incident. Students were not allowed to return home on buses and had to be picked up by their parents, Pennington said.
U.S. Bank said it is working closely with law enforcement and expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of its employees.
"We're deeply saddened by the tragic event that took the lives of two of our employees at our Berea, Kentucky branch earlier today," the company said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community."
Berea is about 36 miles (58 kilometers) south of Lexington.