At least 12 people are dead, including a Ventura County Sheriff’s sergeant, following a mass shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks.
Shots were fired at around 11:20 p.m. Wednesday night. It was “college night” at the popular country western hangout. Among the more than 100 mostly young attendees were students of California Lutheran University, Pepperdine University, and Moorpark College. Many of them are still missing.
The deceased sergeant has been identified as 29-year law enforcement veteran Sgt. Ron Helus. He and a CHP officer immediately entered the bar after arriving on the scene. Sgt. Helus was just getting ready to retire and leaves behind a wife and son.
A number of wounded are being treated at Los Robles Medical Center. A family reunification center has been set up at 1375 E. Janss Rd. in Thousand Oaks. Families of missing loved ones can also call the family reunification hotline at (805) 465-6650.
This story will be updated as new information comes in.
UPDATE 7:15 AM PST: The suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Ian David Long, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps with a history of domestic disturbance calls. Authorities say he used a legally-purchased 21 .45-caliber Glock handgun. Deputies were called to his home as recently as April of this year. They found him to be erratic and "irate," but health workers determined he did not qualify for a 5150 mental health hold.
UPDATE 9:50 AM PST: Mayor Andrew Fox is urging members of the public to donate blood, especially if they are O-. A bank has been set up at La Reina High School. Learn more here.
UPDATE 10:25 AM PST: A procession for Sgt. Helus is underway. Watch it now on CBS Facebook Live.