A Madera Walgreens employee was shot and killed on Monday by a man who was “angry with pharmacies.”
Madera Police arrested Narciso Gallardo Fernandez after he allegedly killed employee Erick Velazquez.
The big picture: Madera police responded to a 911 call on Monday and arrested Fernandez in the parking lot of the Walgreens on Cleveland Avenue.
- Fernandez has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
- He pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment in the Madera County Superior Court on Wednesday. His bail was set at $3 million.
Driving the news: Officers said that they found Fernandez reloading his gun in the parking lot when they arrived on the scene.
- Fernandez drove from Pixley to Madera to shoot Fernandez in an action that police said was tied to his anger toward pharmacies. He also shot at two other Walgreens employees after shooting Velazquez.
What they’re saying: Madera Police Chief Giachino Chiaramonte said Fernandez made comments about hating big pharmacies. However, the police have not yet determined a motive in the case.
- “We’re having difficulties because some of the statements show that he had anger towards pharmacies in general, not specific Walgreens,” Chiaramonte told reporters.
- Chiaramonte said Fernandez told some of the other victims on site “this isn’t about you” before he went to his vehicle to reload.
- Walgreens released a statement saying it is deeply saddened with Velazquez’s murder.
- “Erick Velazquez was a valued colleague, leader, father and member of his community, and we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones,” Walgreens said. “We’re focused on supporting our employees, as we have and will continue to offer on-site counseling services.”
