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MADERA, Calif. – The man who was killed inside a Walgreens in Madera on Monday evening has been identified by the Madera Police Department as a store employee Erick Velasquez.
Police say around 9:35 p.m. on Monday they responded to a shots fired call inside the Walgreens at 2020 W. Clevland Avenue.
Upon arrival, responding officers reported locating the suspect, Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, reloading his handgun in the parking lot and took him into custody without incident.
Investigators say they searched the pharmacy and found the shooting victim – who had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Other bystanders were found sheltering inside the store.
Detectives said Fernandez traveled from Pixley to Madera and entered the store with a handgun in his pocket. Fernandez then allegedly shot the victim, a store employee, before firing the gun at other employees as they fled the store.
They do not believe that Velasquez and Fernandez knew each other.
Detectives are actively working to determine a motive. They did say the shooter had an issue with pharmacies.
Walgreens released a statement on the incident, saying, "We are deeply saddened by last night's tragic event, which resulted in the death of one of our team members. 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."
