Authorities say that a law enforcement officer who died trying to stop a gunman who had gone on a rampage at a Thousand Oaks club was killed by friendly fire.
Ventura County Sheriff's Sergeant Ron Helus died as the result of a tragic mistake.
Helus and a CHP officer entered the Borderline Bar and Grill after getting reports of gunfire inside, and encoutering wounded people fleeing. They were ambushed by the gunmen, and returned fire as they tried to retreat.
Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub says Helus was hit five times by the gunman’s shots. But, he was struck by a sixth round which came from the CHP officer’s rifle. Ventura County Medical Examiner Christopher Young says Helus was wearing body armor, but the shot from the CHP officer’s rifle struck Helus in the heart, fatally injuring him.
The Sheriff says the news has left everyone stunned, especially the late sergeant’s wife and son. Officials say the actions of the officers saved lives, because after the shootout with the gunman he stopped firing shots at clubgoers and killed himself.
Investigators say we still don’t know what led to the attack.