Sheriff Geoff Dean of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in California, sadly reports the death of Sergeant Ron Helus.
Sgt. Helus, 54, was shot while he was responding to an active shooter situation at a country western bar just before midnight. Helus, less than three minutes time from the location, rushed into the bar and confronted the shooter. As a result, he was shot multiple times and critically wounded. Other responding officers pulled Helus from the scene and he was transported to the hospital. However, he did not survive.
Today we mourn the loss of Sergeant Ron Helus who gave his life serving the community. Please keep his family and the families of the victims in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/EwDsnPRDCs
— Ventura Co. Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) November 8, 2018
At the time of the shooting, the bar was occupied by about 200 students. Eleven civilians were killed and numerous others wounded. The suspect shooter was later located deceased in the bar.
Related:
- VENTURA COUNTY SERGEANT AMONG 12 KILLED BY GUNMAN AT COUNTRY MUSIC BAR
- FORMER MARINE IDENTIFIED AS HOMICIDAL GUNMAN AT COUNTRY MUSIC BAR MASSACRE
Ron Helus served the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department for 29 years. Moreover, he was a firearms instructor and a member of the Department’s SWAT team. He planned on retiring next year and devoting his time to his family. Furthermore, he reportedly planned to spend time with his gun store and firing range business. He is survived by wife and son.
Sergeant Ron Helus is gone, but will never be forgotten
EOW: Thursday, November 8, 2018
