Ian David Long: What we know about the Thousand Oaks mass shooter

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

A man opened fire inside a crowded California bar on "College Country Night" late Wednesday, killing at least 12 people and injuring at least a dozen more.

Law enforcement authorities say David Ian Long began shooting in the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, Calif., around 11:20 p.m. The bar is about 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Among the dead is a sheriff’s deputy who rushed into the bar at the sound of gunfire, and Long, according to law enforcement authorities. “It’s a horrific scene in there,” Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told reporters. “There’s blood everywhere. The suspect is part of that.”

Sgt. Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff's department, confronted Long who was later found dead in the bar. Long had been shot, authorities said, but it was unclear if he had shot himself or had been shot by police.

Here is what we know about Long:

  • He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps from 2008-2013.
  • He used a Glock .45-caliber handgun that holds 10 rounds. Long's gun had an extended chamber that held more rounds, according to Dean.
  • He purchased the gun legally.
  • He was 28 years old.
  • According to a witness, Long was dressed in black and wore a black beanie and black hoodie.
  • People reported "smoke bombs" going off, but it was unclear if that smoke may have been from gunfire.
  • One witness reported that Long shot people who were already down on the ground.
  • He was the victim of a battery at another bar in Thousand Oaks in January 2015.
  • Witnesses say Long said nothing during the shooting.

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