A police K-9 named Ryder suffered burns to his face after a suspect allegedly set him ablaze during a chaotic confrontation inside a North Park adult bookstore that ended in fatal gunfire, authorities said.
The incident began Wednesday morning when San Diego police responded to reports of a person attempting to break into vehicles along the 2900 block of 30th Street, the department said. Officers located the suspect, who was acting violently, and a foot pursuit ensued that ended when he ran into a nearby adult bookstore.
Police sent K-9 Ryder and several officers inside after determining the suspect had flammable liquid and “produced an item that made a large flame,” according to ABC10.
“He used that flame on a police canine named Ryder,” the police department said. “Additionally three officers received burns by unknown means.”
Bean bags were initially deployed as officers tried to subdue the suspect, police said. Witnesses reported hearing multiple loud bangs during the confrontation.
The suspect then allegedly set himself on fire while moving toward officers as he tried to ignite the building, investigators told Fox 5. An officer opened fire, shooting multiple rounds.
Witnesses described a horrifying scene as the suspect was removed from the building with flames still engulfing his body.
“The body was on fire. His whole stomach was on fire. It was awful,” one witness told Fox 5.
Video from the scene showed officers gathering outside the bookstore with Ryder before heading inside, followed by multiple gunshots from within the building. The footage then showed Ryder being carried out and placed in a police vehicle. An officer was also seen providing aid to the suspect as he lay on the ground.
Three officers were taken for emergency medical treatment after suffering burns, police said. The officers involved were treated and released.
Ryder was treated for burns to his face and later released from the veterinary hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery, ABC10 reported.
The suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting.