Burbank police dog killed in line of duty during standoff near 5 Freeway

Suspect killed after fatally shooting police dog

The Burbank Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its K9s.

BURBANK, Calif. - A Burbank police canine named Spike was killed over the weekend while attempting to apprehend an armed suspect near the 5 Freeway. The suspect was later shot and killed by police. 

A memorial has been set up at the Burbank Police Department to honor Spike, who was newly trained in narcotics detection.

What we know:

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop around 6:40 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 in the 2400 block of Buena Vista Street near the northbound 5 Freeway on-ramp.

Police detained the driver, but the passenger fled and was later spotted by a police helicopter holding a handgun. Despite several warnings to surrender, the suspect did not comply. 

K9 Spike was unleashed by his handler to apprehend the suspect. Spike located the suspect hiding in nearby bushes, and the suspect immediately fired at the dog. Spike was wearing a bulletproof vest, but did not survive the gunfire. He was taken to the veterinarian where he was pronounced dead.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Spike, Burbank police dog shot, killed in standoff

The suspect was identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office as 37-year-old Jose Domingo Ayala Alas of Palmdale.

Jose Domingo Ayala

‘It’s heartbreaking'

What they're saying:

The Burbank Police Department continues to mourn the loss of Spike, who was escorted in an overnight procession covered in an American flag to honor his service.

Burbank PD officials said this is the first time one of the department's K9s has died in the line of duty.

Residents and police officers have been paying their respects at a growing memorial for Spike, whom they are calling a hero.

"It hurts a lot. We appreciate animals, but we also take them for granted sometimes. So, you know, he's our hero for sure. This morning, I opened my news and I heard that he passed away. So it's heartbreaking news for our community. It's heartbreaking," a Burbank resident told FOX 11.

What's next:

A memorial service is in the works for Spike. Details are set to be released at a later time.