A man walked into a Las Vegas Five Below store, asked to speak with a specific employee, and then shot that worker dead before fleeing the scene in what authorities describe as a confrontation stemming from a perceived romantic relationship, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Brandan Lucas was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a single gunshot wound inside the retail store located in the 2100 block of North Rainbow Boulevard. The shooting occurred during his afternoon shift on June 17.
Background
According to police, the suspect entered the Five Below around 4:30 p.m. and was looking specifically for Lucas, who worked at the location. Once the suspect located Lucas inside the store, a physical altercation erupted between the two men before the shooting occurred.
Family members told local media outlets that the confrontation allegedly stemmed from jealousy over a work relationship. Lucas' cousin, Shekiera Wright, told KVVU Fox 5 Las Vegas that she believed the suspect was the partner of a co-worker and had misinterpreted text message exchanges between Lucas and the colleague.
"I don't think he knew the suspect at all," Wright said in an interview with the local Fox affiliate. "I think the suspect is partner of a co-worker and I think there was some confusion along the lines of what the relationship with between my cousin and the coworker."
Wright elaborated to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, stating that text messages exchanged between Lucas and his colleague were taken out of context, which allegedly prompted the suspect's confrontation at the store.
"This went way too far and our family's life is forever affected," Wright said. "We're never going to be the same."
The Investigation
Officers from Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of the shooting and discovered Lucas suffering from a single gunshot wound inside the store. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect fled the Five Below on foot following the shooting, according to police. No arrest has been made, and law enforcement officials have not released the suspect's identity or description as of publication time.
LVMPD Homicide Section detectives are actively investigating the incident and have urged anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect's whereabouts to contact authorities directly.
"The suspect entered the business looking for the victim, who was later determined to be an employee of the business," police stated in a press release. "Once the suspect located the individual, a physical altercation occurred. At some point, the suspect pulled out a firearm, shot the victim and fled the scene."
Key Takeaways
- Brandan Lucas, 21, was killed inside a Five Below store on North Rainbow Boulevard in Las Vegas during his afternoon shift on June 17
- The suspect allegedly believed Lucas was involved romantically with his partner, who also worked at the store
- A physical altercation occurred before the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot Lucas
- Police say the suspect fled on foot and remains at large; no arrest has been made
- LVMPD Homicide Section is investigating and seeking public assistance in identifying the shooter
- Family members claim text message exchanges between Lucas and a co-worker were taken out of context, sparking jealousy
What's Next
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police detectives are actively working to identify and locate the suspect. Authorities have not released any surveillance footage or detailed suspect descriptions as the investigation remains ongoing. Community members with any information about the shooting are encouraged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section directly.