Ventura County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Thursday, November 8, 2018
Add to My HeroesRonald Lee Helus
Sergeant Ron Helus was shot and killed at 11:20 p.m. after responding to an active shooter at a bar at 99 Rolling Oaks Drive in Thousand Oaks.
When he arrived, Sergeant Helus heard gunfire coming from inside the bar, which was occupied by nearly 200 college students. He and a California Highway Patrol officer immediately made entry into the bar and confronted the shooter, but Sergeant Helus was shot five times by the subject and severely wounded. He was also struck one time by a friendly-fire round during the shooting.
Sergeant Helus was taken to a local hospital where he died from his wounds. Eleven citizens were also shot and killed in the incident, and numerous others were wounded.
The suspect was later found dead inside the bar from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Sergeant Helus served with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office for 29 years. He is survived by his wife and son.
Bio
- Age 54
- Tour 29 years, 4 months
- Badge 2556
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Wednesday, November 7, 2018
- Weapon Rifle
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 335 ReflectionsI was a high school student at the time and never had the honor to meet you personally. Sergeant, you are a true hero and I can’t help but think about the sacrifice you made for our community. When others ran out, you ran in and put your life on the line to protect others. I can’t put my gratitude into words. You will not be forgotten and will go down in history as a hero.
Rest In Peace Sergeant
Colin
Ventura County Resident
January 6, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant Cory Maynard
West Virginia State Police, WV
EOW: June 2, 2023

Corporal Shawn Kelly
Denham Springs Police Department, LA
EOW: June 2, 2023

Corrections Deputy Marcus Zeigler
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 26, 2023

Police Officer Horren Randy Tyler
Madison Police Department, MS
EOW: June 1, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley
Scott County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 22, 2023

Sergeant Michael Kunovich
St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: May 19, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Brett Harris
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: May 13, 2023

Sergeant Joshua Lee Clouse
Cameron Police Department, TX
EOW: May 11, 2023

Port Police Officer Kimberly Sickafoose
Alabama Port Authority Police, AL
EOW: May 11, 2023