A man is in custody following a deadly shooting at a Walgreens store in Madera, California, that left one employee dead Monday night, April 1. According to police, the suspect harbored a “general disdain” for large pharmacy chains, driving over 80 miles to carry out the attack.
The shooting occurred just after 9:30 p.m., at the Walgreens located at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Schnoor Street in Madera. Police were called to the scene after reports of gunshots inside the store.
Authorities identified the victim as Erick Velasquez, a Walgreens employee and father of two young children. Velasquez was not a pharmacist, and the store’s pharmacy section was closed at the time of the shooting.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, drove approximately 80 miles from Pixley, California, to the Madera Walgreens. Police said Fernandez had no personal connection to Velasquez but targeted the store due to his animosity toward large pharmacy chains.
Madera Police Chief detailed that Fernandez entered the store shortly before closing time and began his attack by shooting at surveillance cameras. According to police reports, Velasquez managed to call 911 during the incident, but was unable to speak when the dispatcher answered. The dispatcher heard gunshots in the background of the call.
“There were customers with children inside the store at the time of the shooting,” police officials stated, noting that Fernandez also fired at other employees as they attempted to flee the building. Remarkably, no other individuals were injured during the incident.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Fernandez in the parking lot reloading his weapon. He was immediately taken into custody without further incident. The firearm used in the shooting was recovered at the scene.
Surveillance footage from the store captured Fernandez waving his gun at security cameras before shooting them out. Police have confirmed that the attack was not gang-related.
Investigators said they found no connection between Fernandez’s hatred of big pharmacies and broader issues within the healthcare system. Additionally, authorities clarified that the shooting was not inspired by the targeted killing of a UnitedHealthcare CEO that occurred in a separate incident.
Fernandez was booked into the Madera County Jail on homicide charges. He was charged with murder with a gun enhancement and attempted murder with a gun enhancement. Fernandez’s pre-preliminary hearing is set for April 4.
In response to the tragedy, Walgreens released a statement expressing their profound grief. The company announced it would be providing grief counselors and support staff when the store reopens later in the week.
Community members have described Velasquez as having a “big bright smile” and being well-known in the area. Following the shooting, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Velasquez’s wife and two children.
This incident marks a disturbing trend of workplace violence targeting retail and healthcare settings. The Madera Police Department continues to investigate the case and gather evidence.
The Walgreens location is expected to remain closed for several days as the investigation continues and to allow time for employees to process the traumatic event. Walgreens has confirmed that on-site counseling services will be made available for all team members affected by the incident.
Local officials encourage anyone who witnessed the shooting or has additional information to contact the Madera Police Department.
