California(Thechieftainspear) – A tragic shooting at a Walgreens store in Madera, California, left one employee dead and others shaken after a man with no known ties to the area opened fire late on March 31.
According to the Madera Police Department, the shooting began around 9:35 p.m. — just 30 minutes before the store on West Cleveland Avenue was scheduled to close. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, entered the store armed and was captured on surveillance footage waving to the camera before firing at it.
Authorities say Fernandez fatally shot 19-year-old Erick Velazquez, a Walgreens employee, and then fired at two other workers who managed to flee the building. Additional employees and customers were found sheltering inside the store, including one person who locked themselves inside a bathroom.
When officers arrived at the scene, they located Fernandez in the store’s parking lot, standing behind his vehicle while reloading his firearm. He surrendered to law enforcement without further violence.
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Investigators are still working to determine what led to the shooting, though they noted Fernandez expressed hostility toward pharmacies. Police are also exploring whether a recent car accident involving Fernandez may have played a role in the attack. At this time, officials have found no direct link between the suspect and any Walgreens employees or the store itself.
Lieutenant Josiah Arnold of the Madera Police Department said it appeared Fernandez was prepared to continue his shooting spree had officers not intervened when they did.
Velazquez, described by Walgreens as a respected and valued team member, leaves behind a wife and two young children. The company issued a statement expressing sorrow over his death and stated that counseling services were being offered to support affected staff.
Fernandez, who resides about an hour away from Madera, has been charged with murder and attempted murder. Prosecutors have also added firearm enhancement allegations. He pleaded not guilty during his court appearance on April 2 and remains in custody with bail set at $3 million.
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