California shooting: First victims named from Thousand Oaks bar massacre police identify gunman as Ian David Long

Twelve victims gunned down include Justin Meek, 23, Alaina Housley, 18, Cody Coffman, 22 and Sheriff's Sergeant Ron Helus

Thousand Oaks Shooting: victims recall being inside venue during gunfire

Details are emerging of the identities of victims after at least 12 people were killed and around a dozen more injured in a mass shooting at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California.

The shooting began late Wednesday night in the Borderline Bar & Grill, sending people diving under pool tables and other furniture for cover. Witnesses and victims said that stools were thrown through windows to enable bar patrons to get away from the hail of bullets.

A college country music night was underway when the gunman - dressed in black - shot a security guard who was standing outside the bar before entering. Witnesses suggested a smoke grenade may have been thrown.

Officials identified Ian David Long, of nearby Newbury Park, California, as the suspected shooter. Long was killed at the bar, and police said he carried out the massacre with a legal .45-calibre handgun that he had fitted with an extended magazine illegal in California. He had apparently shot himself.

Police first began identifying victims of the Thousand Oaks attack less than 12 hours after the gunman’s last shot rang out, including Sergeant Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. In a press conference on Thursday, Mr Dean praised the work of his office — including the sacrifice from Mr Helus — for working fast in response to the shooting at the packed college night bar. At least five off-duty law enforcement officers helped to protect people.

(EPA)

Cody Coffman, 22, was also killed, according to his father Jason. Mr Coffman broke down as he told reporters how his last words to his son as he went out that night were not to drink and drive and that he loved him. He added: “Oh Cody, I love you son.”

The family of 23-year-old Justin Meek said he was also killed, according to California Lutheran University President Chris Kimball, who said in a statement that Mr Meek ”heroically saved lives”.

Another victim, Alaina Housley was just 18, and was a promising student at Pepperdine University with plans to study law, her family said.

Other victims include Noel Sparks who was a youth camp leader and Moorpark College student. The death was announced by United Methodist Church Westlake Village. "It is with heavy hearts that we notify you that Noel Sparks was among the victims of last night's shooting. We grieve with Tony Sparks and Wendy Anderson," the church said in a statement.

Daniel Manrique, 33, was a Marine veteran and focused on helping other veterans adjust to civilian life, according to friends. “I have no doubt that he died a hero, shielding others from gunshots. He will forever be our hero, son, brother, and the best uncle anybody could ever ask for,” Gladys Manrique Kosack, a family member said.

Telemachus Orfanos was identified by his mother who said the he had survived the mass shooting in Las Vegas last year. Jake Dunham and Blake Dingman, both 21, were identified by local Los Angeles outlet ABC7.

Sean Adler, a bouncer at the bar and former wrestling coach at Simi Valley High School, perished in the California shooting and was remembered by the local wrestling community.

Follow how events unfolded in our live blog below:

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Key Points

• At least 12 killed in shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks
• Suspected gunman identified as Ian David Long
• Cody Coffman, 22, identified as victim in deadly shooting
• Witnesses describe hearing multiple shots and seeing suspect throw smoke grenades

[8 November 2018 08:39 · Samuel Osborne]

Dozens of people have reportedly been injured in a shooting at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California.

[8 November 2018 08:44 · Samuel Osborne]

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[8 November 2018 08:46 · Samuel Osborne]

Authorities said there were multiple injuries — including one officer — after a man opened fire around 11.20pm at the Borderline Bar & Grill.

It was still "a very active scene" late on Wednesday, Ventura County Sheriff's Office Capt Garo Kuredjian said.

[8 November 2018 08:51 · Samuel Osborne]

Police have urged the public to avoid the area.

[8 November 2018 08:56 · Samuel Osborne]

 Police and emergency crews flooded the scene of the shooting.

[8 November 2018 08:59 · Samuel Osborne]

Local TV station ABC7 reported at least one person had been killed, citing helicopter footage from the scene.

Authorities are yet to confirm any deaths.

[8 November 2018 09:02 · Samuel Osborne]

At least six people were shot, Ventura County Sheriff's Office Capt Garo Kuredjian said. He said a sheriff's deputy was also shot and taken to hospital.

He gave no further information on the extent of the victims' injuries.

Authorities are still treating it as an active shooter scene. 

[8 November 2018 09:05 · Samuel Osborne]

Witnesses described the shooter as wearing all black, with a long beard, and possibly wearing a beanie, local media reported.

[8 November 2018 09:08 · Samuel Osborne]

There has been a report of multiple gunshots being fired at another location in Thousand Oaks which is "possibly" related to the mass shooting, local media said.

[8 November 2018 09:20 · Samuel Osborne]

The Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks hosts college nights on Wednesday, when the shooting happened.