Friendly fire killed hero cop
The California sheriff’s sergeant who died in the Borderline Bar & Grill shooting massacre last month was struck and killed by friendly fire, officials revealed Friday.
Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus was hit five times by gunman Ian Long, but the “most lethal” shot to his heart was fired by the California Highway Patrol officer who entered the dark, smokefilled venue with him to stop the bloodshed, officials said.
“Today I’m deeply saddened to inform you that Sgt. Helus was also struck by a sixth bullet, which we now know through forensic analysis by the FBI’s crime laboratory, was fired from the CHP officer’s rifle,” Sheriff William Ayub said at a Friday morning news conference.
“Tragically, that bullet struck vital organs, and was fatal,” Ayub said to audible gasps in the room.
“This was a dynamic, chaotic event that led to a very brief but furious gun battle between the killer and the lawmen,” Ayub said. “This news is extremely difficult for all of us to process and understand.”
The officer who fired the rifle round is “devastated,” CHP Coastal Division Chief L.D. Maples said.
Maples said authorities learned of the ballistics finding on Wednesday. “He’s currently not on duty,” Maples said of the officer. “He’s taking some time off.”
He described the officer as a nine-year veteran of the Highway Patrol.
“The mere thought of something like this happening is devastating to all of us who are sworn to protect,” Maples said.
He said his officer and Helus entered the bar together to save lives, and Helus “died a hero.”