A California man who police say holds a “grudge” against big pharmacies was arrested this week after allegedly gunning down a Walgreens worker.
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. Monday when suspect Narciso Gallardo Fernandez purportedly walked into a Walgreens in Madera and shot out a security camera before shooting employee Erick Velasquez, who died in the store.
He then shot at other employees and customers as they fled, police said.
Fernandez, 30, was apprehended in the parking lot while reloading his gun.
Madera Police Chief Giachino Chiaramonte said the victim and suspect did not know each other, but that Fernandez told investigators he hates large pharmacies. Velasquez was a store employee but not a pharmacist.
“We do know [Fernandez] has a general disdain or grudge against pharmacies, large-scale pharmacies,” Chiaramonte said, but noted that the shooting did not appear to be inspired by the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last December.
Fernandez was booked at Madera County Jail for homicide.
“We are deeply saddened by last night’s tragic event, which resulted in the death of one of our team members,” Walgreens said in a statement on Tuesday. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this difficult time. The safety of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we are working with local authorities in their investigation.”
Madera is about 23 miles northwest of Fresno.
