MADERA, Calif. — A person walked right into a Walgreens in California and killed an worker as a result of police say he had a grudge in opposition to giant pharmacies.
Madera Police Chief Gino Chiaramonte mentioned Narciso Gallardo Fernandez entered the shop and opened hearth, killing Erick Velasquez. It seems the killing was random as police say there was no identified relation between the 2 males.
The suspect was additionally captured on surveillance video obtained by our sister station, ABC30 Motion Information in Fresno, waving together with his gun on the digital camera, saying one thing inaudible, after which taking pictures out the digital camera on the entrance of the shop.
Fernandez allegedly shot at different workers and prospects as they left the shop. Nobody else was hit.
Chiaramonte mentioned it seems that Fernandez drove from greater than 80 miles from Pixley to the shop off Cleveland Avenue, arriving simply after 9:30 p.m. native time on Monday.
Fernandez was taken into custody outdoors the shop within the car parking zone, which was captured in police physique digital camera footage. Detectives say he was reloading his gun when officers arrived.
When interviewed by Madera police, the chief mentioned that Fernandez informed them he hates massive pharmacies.
Nevertheless, Chiaramonte added they haven’t but discovered any connection between that hatred and the broader healthcare system and didn’t see this as impressed by Luigi Mangione, the person accused of killing Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Velasquez was not a pharmacist on the retailer, and the shop’s pharmacy itself was closed on the time of the taking pictures. Chiramonte mentioned Velazquez is a widely known neighborhood member who leaves behind a spouse and two youngsters.
Police say the very last thing Velasquez did was name 911 for assist, however he was unable to talk when the dispatcher picked up.
Walgreens launched an announcement on the incident, saying, “We’re deeply saddened by final evening’s tragic occasion, which resulted within the loss of life of considered one of our group members. Our ideas and prayers are with their family members throughout this troublesome time. The security of our prospects and group members is our prime precedence, and we’re working with native authorities of their investigation. We’re targeted on supporting our group members and will probably be providing on-site counseling companies over the following couple days.”
Fernandez is now booked in jail on a number of felony fees, together with homicide.
Anybody with extra data is requested to contact the Madera Police Division.
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