A suspect is in custody after a fatal shooting at a Walgreens in Madera, California, which resulted in the death of an employee on Monday night, April 1. Authorities report that the suspect had a “general disdain” for big pharmacy chains, prompting him to travel over 80 miles to commit the act.
The incident took place shortly after 9:30 p.m. at the Walgreens situated at the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Schnoor Street in Madera. Police responded to the location following reports of gunfire within the store.
The victim has been identified as Erick Velasquez, an employee at Walgreens and father of two young children. Velasquez was not working in the pharmacy area, which was closed at the time of the shooting.
The suspect, Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, aged 30, traveled around 80 miles from Pixley, California, to the Madera Walgreens. Authorities stated that Fernandez had no personal connection to Velasquez and chose the store due to his hostility toward major pharmacy retailers.
The Madera Police Chief reported that Fernandez entered the establishment shortly before it was due to close and initiated the attack by shooting surveillance cameras. Police records indicate Velasquez dialed 911 during the incident but was unable to speak when the dispatcher answered. Gunshots were heard in the background of the call.
“There were customers with children inside the store at the time of the shooting,” police officials stated, adding that Fernandez also fired at other employees as they sought to escape. No one else was injured during the event.
Upon arrival, officers found Fernandez in the parking lot reloading his firearm. He was promptly taken into custody without further incident. The firearm used was recovered at the location.
Store surveillance footage recorded Fernandez aiming his gun at and shooting out security cameras. Police have verified that the attack was not associated with gang activity.
Investigators found no link between Fernandez’s antipathy for large pharmacies and broader healthcare system issues. Authorities also clarified that the shooting was not influenced by another incident involving the targeted killing of a UnitedHealthcare CEO.
Fernandez was booked into Madera County Jail on charges of homicide. He faces charges of murder with a gun enhancement and attempted murder with a gun enhancement. His pre-preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 4.
In the aftermath, Walgreens issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow. The company announced it would provide grief counselors and support staff upon the store’s reopening later in the week.
Community members remembered Velasquez as having a “big bright smile” and being a familiar face locally. A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist Velasquez’s wife and two children.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of workplace violence in retail and healthcare environments. The Madera Police Department continues to investigate and gather evidence.
The Walgreens location was closed for several days as investigations proceeded and to allow employees time to come to terms with the event. Walgreens confirmed that on-site counseling services are accessible for all staff affected.
Local authorities urge anyone with information or who witnessed the shooting to contact the Madera Police Department.