A violent incident occurred on Tuesday morning, November 10, 2026, in the Villafría neighborhood of Oviedo, Asturias region, Spain. At around 7:30 am, a man opened fire on a 17-year-old girl, injuring her non-fatally. The girl was taken to the University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA), where her condition was stabilized. The shooter, identified as "El Ruso," a 65-year-old man with a history of general crimes, fled the scene wearing a bathrobe.

The suspect, whose full name is M. F., has a long criminal record, which suggests that the motive behind the attack may not be terrorist-related. Neighbors described him and his wife as a troubled couple who had previously argued loudly with another neighbor in the building. After the shooting, police found a suspicious bag in the building's lobby, which appeared to contain an explosive device. A specialized unit, TEDAX, and police dogs were called to the scene.

As authorities attempted to safely remove the bag, it exploded at around 8:40-9:00 am, killing a police officer, Juan José, also known as "Jota," and his 3-year-old German Shepherd dog, Deni. Another officer, a 53-year-old man from TEDAX, was seriously injured and underwent surgery to amputate his leg. The incident sparked a massive police operation, with roadblocks set up around Oviedo and taxi drivers asked to cooperate in identifying the suspect.

The motive behind the attack is believed to be a neighborhood or family dispute. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the explosive device. So far, they have not revealed any additional details about the suspect's identity or possible connections to the victims. Residents in the area described the suspect and his wife as a quarrelsome couple.

Oviedo, a city in the Asturias region, was shocked by the violent incident. Local authorities and national police are working together to apprehend the suspect and determine the exact sequence of events. The incident raises concerns about public safety and the presence of explosive devices in residential areas.

The suspect is described as a 65-year-old bald man wearing a checked bathrobe. He was last seen getting into a taxi around 7:30 am near Rafael Orouste Street. Police are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities analyzing evidence and conducting interviews to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and explosion.

The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of domestic disputes and the potential for violence. Authorities are urging caution and vigilance, while also working to bring the suspect to justice. The community is coming together to support the victims' families and cooperate with the investigation.

Key points

  • The suspect, known as "El Ruso," has a history of general crimes, but no terrorist affiliations.

Reporting sources

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.