Juan José died after an explosive device went off in Oviedo, Spain, while officers examined a suspicious backpack at a shooting scene. Another officer was seriously injured, and Spanish police said they were still searching for the suspect.
Spanish police named Juan José in a statement on X and said, “Our hearts are with his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.” A three-year-old police dog, Deny, also died in the blast.
Pedro Aguado on the blast
Pedro Aguado said officers from Spain's canine unit and explosives disposal unit arrived after reports of a dispute between neighbours on Tuesday morning. He said officers found a woman who had sustained gunshot wounds when they reached the scene.
While searching for the suspected attacker, officers located a suspicious backpack with a flashing light and contacted the bomb disposal unit and canine unit. “While the package was being moved outside to ensure the safety of the residents, an explosion occurred,” Aguado said.
Response in Oviedo
The blast left one member of the canine unit dead and another officer from the bomb disposal unit seriously injured. A woman who had been shot and the injured officer were taken to hospital for treatment.
A widespread police operation was ongoing near the scene after the explosion, with the suspect still at large. Pedro Sánchez said he was “deeply shocked” by the fatal incident and told the injured officer, “Your dedication and courage deserve the gratitude of an entire country,” while Alberto Núñez Feijóo said, “What happened in Oviedo is heartbreaking.”
The case now turns on the search for the person who planted the device and the reason it was left with the shooting scene. Until police find that answer, the operational priority remains the same: secure the area, treat the wounded and keep the search moving.
