Police have issued an arrest warrant for a 19-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a Five Below employee inside a northwest Las Vegas store last week. Newly released court documents indicate the suspect was upset over text messages exchanged between the victim and the suspect’s girlfriend.
The shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon at a Five Below location inside the Best in the West shopping center, near Rainbow Boulevard and Lake Mead Boulevard. Investigators say the suspect fled the scene and remains at large.
Incident
According to police, officers responded to reports of a shooting at the store around 4:30 p.m. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators reportedly shows the suspect, identified as David Nathaniel Vasquez, pulling out a handgun and firing multiple shots at the victim inside the store.
The victim, identified as Brandan Lucas, was struck several times. He was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
Court documents state that Vasquez left the shopping center immediately after the shooting.
Motive
Documents obtained by Channel 13 indicate that Vasquez confronted Lucas over text messages Lucas allegedly sent to Vasquez’s girlfriend. Both Lucas and the woman worked at the Five Below store, according to investigators.
Police have not disclosed the contents of the messages, but the documents describe the confrontation as the apparent motive for the shooting.
Suspect
Authorities say Vasquez drove away from the scene in a silver Honda Civic with a California license plate. A warrant has been issued for his arrest on multiple charges, including open murder.
Police are asking anyone with information on Vasquez’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.
Family
Lucas’s family members have spoken publicly about the shooting and questioned how the situation escalated to violence.
“Lots of people need to answer to this, because there should have been something put in place for this not to happen,” Lucas’s cousin, Shekiera Wright, told Channel 13 in an interview on Thursday. “It shouldn’t have been that easy.”
Family members described Lucas as a dedicated employee and said they are seeking accountability as the investigation continues.
Investigation
Detectives continue to review evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements. Police have not announced whether additional charges may be filed once Vasquez is taken into custody.
The shooting remains under investigation, and authorities say they are actively working to locate the suspect.
FAQs
Who is the suspect in the Five Below shooting?
Police identified the suspect as 19-year-old David Nathaniel Vasquez.
Who was the victim?
The victim was Brandan Lucas, a Five Below employee.
Where did the shooting happen?
Inside a Five Below store in northwest Las Vegas.
What was the reported motive?
Police say the suspect was upset over text messages.
Has the suspect been arrested?
No, he remains at large and a warrant has been issued.
