Local officials & law enforcement react to Borderline shooting
Law enforcement across the Coachella Valley and beyond are pouring out their thoughts and prayers for the 13 people killed in a mass shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California. The posts focused, in part, on one of their fellow brother’s in law enforcement who was among the fallen, Sgt. Ron Helus of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.
“We are remembering the victims of the tragic situation in Thousand Oaks,” read a statement from Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin. “Among those lost today was Ventura County sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus, a true hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of others.”
The shooting, which was carried out by U.S. Marine veteran Ian David Long, was reported at 11:20 p.m. last night. 21 other victims were injured during the shooting and 11 have since been released from the hospital.
“Heartbreaking to hear of yet another mass shooting that claimed 12 lives, including 29-yr veteran…[Venture Sheriff’s Department] … Sergeant Ron Helus,” read a tweet from Cathedral City Police Department Chief Travis Walker. “The selfless sacrifice he made in the protection of those he served will not be forgotten.”
Sgt. Helus was a 29-year veteran of the force and was set to retire next year.
“Sgt. Helus ran towards the sound of gunfire in order to save lives. Unfortunately Sgt. Helus was struck and later succumb to his injuries at a hospital,” read a Facebook post from the Cathedral City Police Department. “Sgt. Helus is a true hero and sacrificed his life so others may live. Please keep his family and colleagues in your prayers. Please pray for those families who also lost loved ones.”
In a post to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page, ‘deepest condolences’ were offered to the loved ones of those lost, as well as a heartfelt thank you to Sgt. Helus.
“Sergeant Ron Helus of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department paid the ultimate sacrifice earlier this morning while responding to an active shooter scene in Thousand Oaks,” read part of the Riverside Sheriff’s Department post.
Sergeant-Elect Chad Bianco offered similar sentiments in his post.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Ventura County Sheriff’s Sergeant Ron Helus who was tragically killed last night,” read Bianco’s post. “Many people ran from the gunfire, Sgt Helus ran toward it. Please keep his family and the members of the Ventura Sheriffs Department in your prayers. May you Rest In Peace Sheepdog!”
Representative Raul Ruiz joined the law enforcement community in mourning the ‘senseless tragedy.’
Watch KESQ News Channel 3 at 5PM and CBS Local 2 at 5:30 PM as Jake Ingrassia speaks with local law enforcement about the tragedy in Thousand Oaks.
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