Authorities say a sheriff's deputy killed in a mass shooting at a Southern California bar was shot five times by a gunman who killed 11 others, but struck fatally by a bullet fired by a highway patrolman.
Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub says Sgt. Ron Helus died from a bullet wound that struck vital organs shot by a California Highway Patrolman who joined him in the gun battle Nov. 7 at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks.
Helus was among 12 people killed at the bar during the shootout. Gunman Ian David Long took his own life.
Authorities don't know what drove Long to kill. (AP)
CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley issued the following statement:
“The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is profoundly saddened to learn of new details emerging from the horrific incident which resulted from the deadly actions of suspect Ian David Long at the Borderline Bar on Nov. 7. We know that Ventura County Sheriff Sgt. Ron Helus and a CHP officer bravely entered the bar together and engaged the suspect who had already shot and killed numerous people inside the establishment. The suspect, who had been lying in wait for the officers to arrive, immediately ambushed the pair with gunfire as they entered the building. While the officers’ actions prevented the suspect from shooting more patrons, tragically, during the brief and chaotic gunfight that ensued, a round by our officer struck Sgt. Helus. “The mere thought of something like this happening is devastating to all of us and underscores the difficult and dangerous circumstances law enforcement faces, often with only mere seconds to react.
“On behalf of 11,000 members of the CHP, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Helus’ family, friends, and the men and women of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. There are no words that can be expressed as to the incredible sorrow his family is dealing with. “Without question Sgt. Helus died a hero while protecting his community from a dangerous criminal. In the face of danger, Sgt. Helus courageously upheld the oath he took to lay down his life rather than swerve from the path of duty.’’
