US: At least 11 injured in shooting at California bar
What's the story
At least 11 people, including an officer, were shot at in a South California bar on Wednesday night (local time). The incident took place at Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, which is 40 miles west of Los Angeles. First responders engaged with the active shooter, multiple reports said. The extent of injuries of the victims is not known yet.
What happened
Some 30 shots were fired, authorities believe
At around 11:20 PM, police officers were called to the bar. Initial reports suggest the shooter opened fire with a semi-automatic gun. Officers at the scene informed that at least 30 shots were fired. Four ambulances were rushed to the spot and officials urged people to stay away from the area. The police are treating it as an active shooter area.
Twitter Post
The suspect is not in custody
#BREAKING: Multiple people were injured when a gunman opened fire tonight at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks. The suspect is not in custody and victims are fleeing throughout the neighborhood. https://t.co/Zsc0MdMgzx pic.twitter.com/b94KLicRFT
— Ventura County Star (@vcstar) November 8, 2018
Seeking help
People ran towards gas station to seek medical help
After the shooting broke out, several people were seen running to a nearby gas station to seek medical help. Soon, many people were escorted to a safe place as officers entered the bar. A police helicopter flew over the area and police cars were seen at the spot. The venue, which calls itself 'biggest dance floor in town', stays open till 2 AM.
Twitter Post
Here are the visuals from the incident
Approaching the scene of Borderline. Dozen of sheriff's vehicles lined up + the buzz of helicopters overhead. pic.twitter.com/Gdhz0YiBag
— Jeremy Childs (@Jeremy_Childs) November 8, 2018
The suspect
Suspect said to be in his 20s
Agencies were informed that suspect was a Middle Eastern man, in his 20s. He donned all black clothes and had a beard. Soon officers saw a man matching the suspect's description, who was lying outside a window at the bar. It wasn't immediately clear if the man was the suspect or a victim of the shooting.