A police K-9 suffered burns during a chaotic standoff in San Diego after a suspect allegedly attempted to set the dog and an adult bookstore on fire. The incident occurred when San Diego police officers responded to reports regarding a person attempting to break into vehicles in the 2900 block of 30th Street located in North Park.
As reported by the NY Post, the situation escalated quickly when officers located the suspect acting violently, which led to a foot pursuit that ended with the individual running into a nearby adult bookstore. The police department confirmed that officers sent K-9 Ryder and several personnel inside the building after determining the suspect possessed flammable liquid and “produced an item that made a large flame.”
The situation turned dangerous when the suspect allegedly targeted the canine directly. “He used that flame on a police canine named Ryder,” the police department stated. In addition to the injuries sustained by the dog, three officers also received burns by unknown means during the confrontation.
The dog is expected to make a full recovery
Video footage captured from the scene showed officers gathering outside the bookstore with Ryder before they moved inside to engage the suspect. Shortly after entering, multiple gunshots were reportedly heard coming from the building.
Police indicated that bean bags were initially deployed into the store as officers attempted to subdue the suspect. Witnesses in the area reported hearing multiple loud bangs during the confrontation. Following the gunfire, Ryder was taken out of the building and carried into a patrol car for transport.
The suspect allegedly set himself on fire while moving toward officers as he attempted to ignite the building, according to investigators. An officer opened fire, shooting multiple rounds during the encounter.
Witnesses described the scene as the suspect was removed from the building with flames still engulfing his body. One witness told FOX, “The body was on fire. His whole stomach was on fire. It was awful.” Video footage also showed an officer providing aid to the suspect as he lay on the ground following the shooting. The suspect was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Ryder was treated for burns to his face and has since been released from the veterinary hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery, which is great news given the intensity of the situation. The three officers who were injured also received emergency medical treatment for their burns. The entire incident is currently being investigated by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office to determine the full sequence of events.
Published: Sep 18, 2026 05:45 pm