San Diego Police K-9 Set on Fire, 3 Officers Burned in Standoff
What to Know
- San Diego police fatally shot a man after authorities said he ignited an incendiary device and set a police K-9 on fire during a standoff inside an adult entertainment store.
- Officers had responded to reports of a man vandalizing vehicles, then pursued him into the business, where negotiations failed and the suspect allegedly used a torch-and-fuel device against the K-9.
- Three officers suffered burn injuries and the K-9 was treated for burns; the suspect was struck by gunfire as he approached the front door with the device and later died at the hospital.
The officers tried to negotiate with the man, but he refused to exit, the statement said. San Diego police then deployed a K-9, and the man ignited the device, setting the dog on fire, according to authorities.
NBC 7 reported that the device consisted of a torch and flammable liquid.
San Diego police shot the man as he moved toward the front door with the device. An officer fired several rounds, striking the man, according to the statement. Police said they "immediately rendered lifesaving aid." The man was taken to a hospital by paramedics and pronounced dead shortly before noon.
It was not immediately clear how many bullets struck the man.
Three San Diego police officers were injured. They were treated at a local hospital for burns on their hands and were released. The dog received treatment at a local veterinary hospital for burn injuries, according to the statement. It was not immediately clear if the dog had been released.
Once the homicide unit finishes its investigation, the case heads to the San Diego County district attorney's office, which will decide if the police officer who shot the man is criminally liable, according to the statement. The San Diego Police Department also will conduct an administrative review of the officer's discharge of the firearm.
Anyone with information about the incident can reach out to the Sheriff's Office at (858) 285‑6330.
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