A police K-9 was burned after a suspect allegedly tried to torch the dog and an adult bookstore during a wild San Diego standoff that ended with police gunfire, authorities said.
San Diego police responded Wednesday morning to reports of a person trying to break into vehicles in the 2900 block of 30th Street in North Park.
Officers found the suspect acting violently, prompting a foot pursuit 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,” ABC10 reported.
“He used that flame on a police canine named Ryder,” the police department said. “Additionally three officers received burns by unknown means.”
Video from the scene showed officers gathering outside the bookstore with Ryder before heading inside. Moments later, multiple gunshots could be heard coming from the building.
Police said bean bags were initially deployed into the store as officers tried to subdue the suspect. Witnesses reported hearing multiple loud bangs during the confrontation, Fox 5 reported.
The video then cuts to Ryder being taken out of the building and carried into a cop car.
Three officers were also taken for emergency medical treatment after suffering burns, police said.
The suspect then allegedly set himself on fire while moving toward officers as he tried to ignite the building, according to investigators quoted by Fox.
An officer opened fire, shooting multiple rounds, investigators told the outlet.
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.
Video also showed an officer providing aid to the suspect as he lay on the ground.
Police said the suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
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 officers involved were also treated for their burns.
The shooting is being investigated by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
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