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 23:41 · Chris Riotta]

Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean discussed Ron Helus and the heroism he displayed by attempting to rescue victims in the mass shooting inside Borderline Bar & Grill on Wednesday night: 

[8 November 2018 23:57 · Chris Riotta]

The FBI has not found any evidence to indicate suspect Ian David Long worked with anyone in the shooting, suggesting the former Marine went about the massacre on his own: 

[9 November 2018 00:10 · Chris Stevenson]

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has deployed victim services personnel — Spanish-speaking representative and K-9 handlers — to assist survivors and families of shooting victims.

Two yellow Labrador Retrievers — Skippy and Nora — and their handlers will visit survivors at hospitals, sit with families waiting for news, and spend time with first responders, according to the district attorney's office.

[9 November 2018 00:22 · Chris Stevenson]

Officials say five off-duty officers were inside Borderline Bar and Grill in the city of Thousand Oaks when gunfire erupted and helped get people to safety. 

Ventura County Sheriff's Office Captain Garo Kuredjian said Thursday that the two officers from the city of Oxnard and three from Los Angeles "assisted in evacuating those that were injured" and helped prevent others from being hurt. 

[9 November 2018 00:34 · Chris Stevenson]

The fatal shooting of a dozen people in Thousand Oaks, California, has inspired hundreds of area residents to line up for hours on Thursday to donate blood for the wounded.

The blood drive drew at least 300 people to a trailer parked outside a Catholic high school.

The blood drive has been scheduled before the massacre late on Wednesday night, but the big turnout followed a call for donations after the shooting. On a normal day, fewer than 60 people might be expected to turn out, school officials said.

[9 November 2018 00:43 · Chris Stevenson]

Noel Sparks and Blake Dingman, both 21, were also victims of the shooting according to multiple reports.

[9 November 2018 00:56 · Chris Stevenson]

Telemachus Orfanos has been identified by ABC7. They reported that he had survived the Las Vegas shooting last year.

His mother spoke to the outlet and said she does not want thoughts and prayers. She wants gun control.

[9 November 2018 01:10 · Chris Stevenson]

Witness Dallas Knapp posted video showing the shadowy gunman during the deadly attack in Thousand Oaks, California.

Glass can be heard shattering in the background and a series of gunshots ring out in the empty bar during the Wednesday night attack.  

Knapp says in an Instagram post that he looked the gunman in the eyes while he killed Knapp's friends. 

[9 November 2018 01:23 · Chris Stevenson]

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has said that a moment of silence will be held prior to the start of Sunday's NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in memory of the victims of the Thousand Oaks shooting.

[9 November 2018 01:36 · Chris Stevenson]

A pastor at a Thousand Oaks-area church says between 20 and 30 members were inside Borderline Bar and Grill during the deadly shooting. 

Pastor Shawn Thornton said Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village will hold a vigil Thursday night and offer counseling throughout the week. 

He says three families were directly affected either by a death or injury.