THOUSAND OAKS, California — At least 12 people shot at a crowded country and western dance hall in Thousand Oaks. The gunman is identified to be 28-year-old who did service in the Marine Crops.
The suspect, Ian David Long of Newbury Park, California, took his life after being confronted by officers responding to the Wednesday night attack. The suspect was known to have used a 45-caliber handgun which he had legally but had an extended magazine.
The shooting is just 1 year after the mass shooting that took place at a country music festival in Las Vegas. The gunman opened fire from the window of his high-rise hotel room. Some people took some parallel lines with the shooting as the same people who escaped the bar at Borderline Bar & Grill, said they survived the shooting in Las Vegas.
The health specialist who talked with the suspect about his military service and whether had suffered from post-traumatic stress, decided that he was causing danger neither him nor others and that he couldn’t involuntarily be taken to a mental hospital.
Long started the fire first at a security guard, as patrons dropped on the dance floor, hid under tables and broke windows the escape.
According to Sheriff Dean, at least 6 off-duty officers were inside when the gunman opened fire. A parent told one of the police officers stood in front of his daughter and protected her.
Due to the report from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, there were 22 people injured in the shooting. They have been taken to different hospitals.
One of the victims included Sgt. Ron Helus, who was shot when he entered the building. He died as a hero, according to the sheriff.
The motive of the shooting is under investigation as no certain reason is revealed.
