Policeman and Dog Killed After Bomb Explodes

A deadly shooting investigation in Spain took a devastating turn Tuesday when a bomb hidden inside a backpack exploded, killing a police officer and his K9 partner while leaving another officer severely injured.

The shocking incident unfolded November 10 in Oviedo, a city in northern Spain, after authorities responded to reports of gunfire during an apparent dispute between neighbors.

A 17-year-old girl had been shot multiple times and was rushed to the hospital. Although her injuries were initially serious, authorities later confirmed she was no longer in life-threatening condition.

But what began as a shooting investigation quickly escalated into a deadly emergency.

Police discovered a suspicious backpack inside a residential building on Rafael Urrusti Street in the Villafría neighborhood. Fearing it contained explosives, officers called in a specialized bomb disposal team and a police canine unit.

As officers attempted to move the backpack away from the building to protect nearby residents, the device suddenly detonated.

The explosion killed Juan José, a veteran police subinspector assigned to Spain’s National Police canine unit, along with his three-year-old German Shepherd partner, Deny.

The officer was reportedly approaching retirement and had received recognition for his service earlier this year. Deny had also been honored for his work detecting explosives, making their deaths especially heartbreaking for fellow officers.

Another officer, a bomb disposal specialist, suffered catastrophic injuries in the blast and underwent emergency surgery that included the amputation of a leg.

Police spokesman Pedro Aguado later confirmed the injured officer was hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

Meanwhile, a massive manhunt was launched for the suspected gunman, who authorities believe also planted the explosive device.

Spanish media identified the suspect as a man nicknamed “El Ruso,” reportedly known to police for previous theft-related offenses. Investigators warned that he could still be armed and potentially possess additional explosives.

Authorities established checkpoints around Oviedo and searched several neighborhoods as they attempted to track him down. The suspect’s partner was reportedly taken into custody as part of the investigation.

Police believe the violence stemmed from a neighborhood dispute rather than terrorism, although the circumstances surrounding the shooting and explosion remain under investigation.

The tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief across Spain, particularly among members of the National Police.

The department paid tribute to Juan José and Deny, honoring their service and expressing condolences to their colleagues and loved ones.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed his shock over the deadly explosion, offering sympathy to the fallen officer’s family and support to the injured bomb disposal specialist.

“Your dedication and courage deserve the gratitude of an entire country,” Sánchez wrote.

The attack has left one officer and his loyal police dog dead, another officer facing a difficult recovery, and a shaken community awaiting answers as investigators work to determine exactly how the deadly device was prepared and detonated.