A workplace shooting at a Las Vegas Five Below store left a 31-year-old employee dead after the suspect’s girlfriend received flirtatious text messages from the victim, according to arrest warrants obtained by investigators.

Text Messages Trigger Deadly Confrontation

Brandan Lucas died from three gunshot wounds after a confrontation inside the discount retailer on June 23, 2026. Surveillance footage captured the suspect, identified as Vasquez, entering the store at 4:29 p.m. and walking directly to Lucas in the tech area. Within moments, the encounter escalated into a physical fight. The store manager attempted to intervene and separate the two men, but Vasquez allegedly opened fire before fleeing westbound on Smoke Ranch Road from Rainbow Boulevard.

Investigators determined the shooting stemmed from text messages Lucas sent to Vasquez’s girlfriend the day before the incident. The woman, who also worked at the Five Below location, showed Vasquez the text conversation, which included Lucas’s work schedule. She described her boyfriend as having anger issues and being extremely protective, according to police reports.

Girlfriend Skipped Work Over Safety Concerns

The suspect’s girlfriend told investigators she deliberately stayed home the day of the shooting because she felt uncomfortable working alone with Lucas. Her absence from the scheduled shift suggests she anticipated potential conflict between the two men. Police tracked Vasquez’s vehicle using license plate recognition data, confirming his movements immediately after the shooting. Despite the evidence collected, authorities had not apprehended Vasquez as of Tuesday.

Murder Charges Filed Against Suspect

Prosecutors filed multiple charges against Vasquez, including open murder, which allows a jury to determine the degree of homicide based on evidence presented at trial. Open murder charges in Nevada range from first-degree murder, which carries potential life sentences or capital punishment, to manslaughter. The suspect remains at large while investigators continue building their case. An autopsy confirmed Lucas sustained three gunshot wounds, establishing the fatal nature of the attack. The investigation highlights how personal conflicts in workplace settings can escalate to deadly violence when left unaddressed.

Workplace Violence Prevention Concerns

This incident raises questions about employer responsibilities when romantic tensions emerge among staff members. The girlfriend’s decision to skip work indicates she recognized the danger, though it remains unclear whether management received advance warning. Retail workers across the country face increasing safety concerns, with workplace homicides representing a persistent threat in customer-facing positions. The Five Below shooting demonstrates how quickly interpersonal disputes can turn fatal when firearms enter the equation.