Teen, 18, Suspected of Murdering 2 Bank Employees in Kentucky Identified, Sent Police on 130-MPH Car Chase Before Arrest

NEED TO KNOW

• An 18-year-old suspect, Brailen Weaver, has been charged after allegedly fatally shooting two employees during a bank robbery in Berea, Ky., on April 30

• Authorities said Weaver fled the scene in a silver BMW, later posting a meme referencing money before leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase reaching about 130 mph

• The pursuit ended when Weaver crashed and fled on foot before being taken into custody early the next morning; he now faces multiple federal charges tied to the deadly incident

The person arrested and charged for allegedly killing two bank employees in Kentucky has been identified, and authorities claim the teenage suspect led police on a 130-mph chase before his capture.

The suspect has been named as Brailen Weaver, according to a media release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, as well as a federal criminal affidavit obtained by PEOPLE that was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky on Friday, May 1.

Weaver, 18, has been 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, according to the release.

According to the federal affidavit, Weaver, wearing a mask, entered a U.S. Bank located in Berea at approximately 1:57 p.m. local time on Thursday, April 30.

He allegedly shot and killed a male bank employee and a female bank teller, later identified as 42-year-old Brian Switzer and 35-year-old Breanna Edwards, respectively. After shooting the victims, Weaver allegedly “checked multiple drawers and then immediately left the bank,” per the affidavit.

Weaver fled the scene, and authorities said he later posted on social media at approximately 8:00 p.m. that night, sharing a meme of a person in an alien mask holding a pile of cash.

The words “I pledge allegiance to da bag” — a slang term for money — were written across the image, per a photo of the meme contained within the affidavit.

Authorities ultimately linked Weaver to a silver BMW and identified the vehicle on Interstate 75 that night.

Federal, state and local law enforcement then pursued Weaver, and he led authorities on a chase that reached “speeds of approximately 130 miles per hour,” according to the affidavit.

Weaver crashed his vehicle and fled on foot, per the document.

Weaver was captured by authorities at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office release.

“As alleged, this deplorable act of violence in broad daylight has left two families in Kentucky with unthinkable loss. Our hearts go out to them,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said, per the release.

“Thanks to the relentless pursuit of law enforcement, Brailen Weaver is off the street and behind bars, and he will now face justice for his alleged heinous actions,” Blanche added.

Weaver is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, May 4, at 2 p.m., according to the release.

The case is currently being investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kentucky State Police and the Lexington Police Department, per the U.S. Attorney's Office.

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Switzer, the first victim in the April 30 shooting, was a husband and father of three, according to a GoFundMe created to support his family.

The fundraiser, which described the shooting as a “senseless act of violence,” claims that he was his family's sole provider.

“No family should ever have to go through this kind of turmoil, and the goal of this GoFundMe is to assist [his wife] Rachel with funds so that she doesn't have to stress about financial issues during the most difficult time of her life,” the fundraiser added.

Edwards, the second victim in the tragedy, was described as a “beautiful soul,” per a GoFundMe established to help her family through this difficult time.

“Breanna Edwards leaves behind an incredible family who loved her more than words can describe, all of whom are absolutely devastated by this loss,” according to the fundraising page.

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