13 die at California bar shooting

Thirteen people have died, including a sheriff ’s sergeant and the gunman, after a shooting inside a crowded Southern California bar.

Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said sheriff ’s Sergeant Ron Helus responded to the scene and was shot after he entered the building. He died at a hospital early on Thursday but authorities did not say how the gunman died.

Mr Helus was a 29-year veteran of the force with a wife and son and planned to retire in the coming year, said the sheriff, who choked back tears several times as he talked about the sergeant who was also his long-time friend.

“Ron was a hardworking, dedicated sheriff ’s sergeant who was totally committed,” Mr Dean said.

“And tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero because he went in to save lives.”

Mr Dean said around 10 other people were shot and wounded.

Ventura County Sheriff ’s Office Captain Garo Kuredjian said the first reports of shots fired came around 11.20pm local time.