Police continue search for gunman in Clovis bar shooting that killed 2

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- A single candle was placed outside of The Palace bar and nightclub off Clovis Avenue and 5th Street after two men were killed when a gunman opened fire on them on Saturday morning.

"As soon as they walked into the front door, one person did start shooting and fired several shots," said Clovis Police Lt. Jim Munro.

Officers say the shooter targeted victims 21-year-old Merehildo Luna of Fresno and 27-year-old Andres Sanchez of Sanger.

Both of them died.

A Palace bar employee was also shot but survived.

On Sunday morning, authorities arrested a person of interest after serving a search warrant. Detectives also retrieved evidence.

"They were questioned. After questioning, detectives released that person," Munro said.

Munro said the person arrested is now being treated as a witness.

Detectives say the witness was at the bar before the shooting when an argument broke out between the victims and gunman.

The shooter was asked to leave but returned later that night armed with a gun.

Investigators say another person accompanied him. After the shooting, the two got into a car that drove off.

"It is unfortunate, and it should not have happened," said Elledy Leon.

Leon lives in Clovis and says the shooting has shaken her sense of security.

"It feels like you are safe all the time, and when this kind of thing happens, you don't feel that anymore, and it is hard to get that back," she said.

Investigators say they are making good progress on the case, and they are confident the gunman will be arrested.

It marks the first and second homicide cases in the city of Clovis so far in 2021.