National Police officer dies in backpack explosion in Oviedo
A National Police officer dies following the detonation of a suspicious backpack in Villafría, Oviedo. Another police officer is seriously injured and the perpetrator of an earlier shooting remains at large.
Explosion in police operation leaves one dead
A National Police officer died on Tuesday following the explosion of a suspicious backpack in the Villafría neighbourhood of Oviedo, Asturias. According to es.euronews.com, a second police officer was seriously injured during the inspection of the device. The perpetrator of an earlier shooting that triggered the intervention continues to be sought by an extensive security operation.
The deceased, identified as Juan José, belonged to the Special Canine Guides Unit. The injured officer is part of the explosive disposal unit TEDAX-NRBQ, according to official sources cited by es.euronews.com. The National Police confirmed the facts on social media, expressing that the officer died "during the search of a suspicious backpack".
The events began in the morning when a woman was shot in circumstances still under investigation. The victim was taken to hospital and is not in serious condition. At approximately 8:40, the backpack exploded on Rafael Urrusti street when agents were about to inspect its contents. The detonation prompted a deployment of the National Police, Local Police and emergency services.
Government president Pedro Sánchez expressed shock at the officer's death and conveyed his support to the deceased's family and colleagues. The mayor of Oviedo, Alfredo Canteli, went to the scene to obtain first-hand information. The exact circumstances of the explosion and its relationship to the earlier shooting have not yet been clarified.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)