Horror As Hero Police Officer And His Loyal Dog Are Killed In Deadly Backpack Blast After Teenage Girl Is Shot In Spanish Neighbourhood Tragedy While Bomb Disposal Colleague Loses Leg And Armed Suspect Remains On The Run

Thick black smoke poured into the grey morning sky over a quiet residential street in Oviedo as emergency crews raced to a scene of unimaginable horror. What began as a routine call about a neighbourhood dispute exploded into tragedy when a suspicious backpack detonated, killing a veteran police officer and his police dog while maiming a bomb disposal specialist.

The drama unfolded early on Tuesday in the Villafría neighbourhood. Neighbours reported gunfire around 7.30am after a violent argument between families. A 17-year-old girl was shot and rushed to hospital, where she is now out of danger. Officers arriving at the scene on Calle Rafael Urrusti discovered a partly open backpack with a flashing light near the building entrance. They called in the canine unit and TEDAX explosives experts. As the team carefully moved the bag outside to protect residents, it exploded.⁠BBC

Subinspector Juan José Rodríguez, 60, known affectionately as “Jota”, died in the blast. The dedicated canine handler was due to retire in just one month. Colleagues described him as “a sweetheart” and “the best in the world”. His three-year-old German Shepherd partner, Deny, was also killed alongside him. The National Police paid tribute on social media: “Our hearts are with his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.”⁠

A TEDAX officer was critically injured and had a leg amputated. He remains in a very serious condition at the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. Police sources confirmed the dog’s death, calling the loss of both the handler and his canine partner a devastating double blow to the unit.⁠

Dramatic footage from the scene shows billowing smoke engulfing brick apartment blocks, police vans with flashing blue lights, and officers sealing off the area with tape. Residents peer from windows in shock while emergency vehicles line the street. The city remains under a major police operation, with access points blocked as officers hunt the suspect.

The wanted man is described as a bald individual in his mid-60s, known locally as “El Ruso”, with a long criminal record for common offences. Witnesses said he was seen wearing a checked bathrobe. Police have asked taxi drivers if anyone picked him up. Authorities stress his profile does not suggest terrorism, pointing instead to a neighbourhood feud. He is believed to be armed and the search is considered high-risk.⁠

Police spokesman Pedro Aguado confirmed officers moved the backpack for public safety when the explosion occurred. The force and police union JUPOL have expressed deep consternation. Tributes continue to pour in for the fallen officer and his dog as the manhunt intensifies across the city.