Tragedy Strikes Las Vegas Athletic Club: Longtime Employee Killed in Random Shooting
LAS VEGAS, NV — A tragic and senseless shooting unfolded at a Las Vegas fitness center last week, leaving one employee dead and several others injured. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, the suspect, a gym member, acted without any known connection to the victim or motive.
Longtime Employee Killed in Shocking Incident
The incident occurred on Friday at the Las Vegas Athletic Club located on the city’s west side. Police have identified the victim as Edgar Quinonez, 31, a respected and long-serving employee of the gym. Tragically, Quinonez was shot and killed during what authorities are calling a random act of violence.
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According to police reports, the alleged shooter, Daniel Ortega, 34, entered the fitness center around 12:45 p.m. armed with a rifle. Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser provided details in a Monday press briefing, stating that Ortega appeared to act without provocation or any known personal conflict with Quinonez.
Timeline of the Shooting
Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts reveal that Ortega entered the gym with the rifle visibly in hand. He initially approached an employee at the front desk before pacing in the lobby. After a brief and seemingly inconsequential exchange with another staff member, Ortega lifted the rifle and opened fire.
Quinonez attempted to flee into the gym but was fatally shot. Ortega then moved deeper into the facility, discharging a total of 24 rounds as terrified patrons scrambled for safety. During the rampage, three other individuals were injured, one critically. All were transported to nearby hospitals. As of Monday, their conditions remain undisclosed.
Police Response and Shooter’s Death
Officers responding to the active shooter call arrived swiftly at the scene. As Ortega attempted to exit the gym — rifle in hand — police opened fire. He was struck by multiple rounds and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Authorities confirmed that Ortega was a regular gym member but reiterated that no connection has been found between him and the victim.
Prosser also noted that the shooter’s weapon eventually malfunctioned during the assault, which may have prevented further injuries or fatalities.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Police are combing through Ortega’s background, social media activity, and any surveillance footage from before the incident to determine what may have triggered such violent behavior.
Community members and gym patrons expressed shock and sorrow at the unexpected tragedy. Many described Quinonez as a kind and dedicated employee who had worked at the gym for years.
“It’s heartbreaking,” one gym member told local media. “Edgar was always there with a smile. You never think something like this will happen where you work out.”
Las Vegas Authorities Urge Vigilance
This incident has renewed calls for increased security at fitness centers and public venues. While active shooter events are rare in gyms, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is encouraging businesses to review their emergency preparedness plans.
Authorities are also asking anyone with additional information about Ortega or the events leading up to the shooting to come forward.
A Community Mourns
As the investigation continues, Las Vegas mourns the loss of a beloved community member and grapples with the trauma of another public shooting. A memorial for Edgar Quinonez is being planned by friends and coworkers, who remember him as a dedicated employee and a kind soul who brought positivity to all who knew him.
Stay with Gistwave.com for updates on this developing story and for more news on safety and community awareness in Las Vegas and beyond.
