Suspected Walgreens killer had 'grudge' against large pharmacies

A Walgreens employee in California was tragically killed by a gunman who, according to police, harbored resentment against large pharmacy chains. The incident unfolded at a Walgreens store in Madera, where authorities say 42-year-old Narciso Gallardo Fernandez entered the store and opened fire, killing 19-year-old Erick Velasquez.

 

Madera Police Chief Gino Chiaramonte stated that there was no known connection between Fernandez and Velasquez, making the attack appear completely random. Surveillance footage obtained by ABC30 Action News in Fresno captured Fernandez waving his firearm at the camera, making an inaudible statement, and then shooting out the front security camera before unleashing gunfire inside the store.

 

Fernandez allegedly fired at other employees and customers as they attempted to flee the scene, though, fortunately, no one else was injured. According to police, he had traveled over 80 miles from Pixley before arriving at the Walgreens on Cleveland Avenue just after 9:30 p.m. local time on Monday, according to 6ABC News.

 

Police officers responded quickly, arriving to find Fernandez in the store’s parking lot while reloading his weapon. Body camera footage captured his arrest as officers took him into custody without further incident. During an interview with detectives, Fernandez reportedly admitted to targeting the pharmacy due to his deep-seated hatred toward big pharmaceutical chains.

 

The tragic loss of Erick Velasquez has left the local community reeling. Friends, family, and coworkers are mourning the young man’s untimely death as authorities continue their investigation into the motives behind the attack.