A beloved police dog who was fatally shot by a suspect in Burbank was given a hero's farewell Wednesday, as officers -- and law enforcement K9s -- from across the region gathered for a memorial service to honor the slain dog's courage and sacrifice.
Spike, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, was killed Nov. 22 during the pursuit of a suspect who was later shot and killed by officers.
During a service at Burbank Police Department headquarters -- where a memorial of flowers, treats and tributes has been growing since the Spike's death -- Burbank Police Chief Rafael Quintero read a message from Spike's handler's family, with whom the K9 lived.
"His passing has left an unimaginable void in our hearts that can never truly be filled," Quintero read. "When you think of Spike, please remember him as the hero that he is. He was brave, courageous, protective and bursting with energy. His spirit was fierce and he brought joy and loyalty into our lives."
Wednesday morning's ceremony was attended by department command staff and officers, along with city officials and dignitaries and members of the Burbank Police Foundation. Police dogs and their handlers from a variety of agencies also gathered for the event to "honor K-9 Spike's service and sacrifice and to recognize his heroic actions that protected our officers and community."
Prior to the ceremony, a flag-draped coffin carrying Spike was led in a procession from the Burbank Animal Shelter to police headquarters.
Jose Domingo Ayala Alas of Palmdale, the 37-year-old Palmdale man suspected of fatally shooting the dog while attempting to evade officers, was later killed in a shootout with officers.
Spike was shot after the suspect failed to yield while Burbank police were conducting a traffic stop at 6:40 p.m. Nov. 22 in the 2400 block of Buena Vista Street near the northbound Golden State (5) Freeway on-ramp, according to Lt. Derek Green of the BPD.
During the traffic stop, a passenger fled the vehicle, ran up the freeway on-ramp and jumped over an embankment wall into a nearby residential neighborhood, Green said.
The officers remained with the driver and vehicle while requesting assistance. Additional officers responded and a coordinated search was begun using Spike and a police helicopter.
Spike located the suspect hiding in nearby bushes and vegetation, and the suspect fired multiple rounds from a handgun, striking the animal, then ran away, police said.
Officers recovered the wounded canine, Green said, while a search for the suspect continued.
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The dog was taken to an emergency veterinarian, but was pronounced dead.
Officers later saw the suspect hiding amid thick, overgrown terrain adjacent to the freeway, near the Buena Vista Street on-ramp. He was still armed within proximity of a residential neighborhood, Green said.
The effort transitioned to a joint operation involving the Burbank and Glendale police departments and included additional K9 officers, crisis negotiators and the Burbank Police Department SWAT team.
Multiple efforts were made to communicate with the suspect, encouraging him to surrender peacefully, police said. Officers established a containment and deployed less lethal systems as part of the effort. During those attempts, the suspect began shooting at police officers, striking police vehicles parked near the scene, Green said.
Officers from both the Burbank and Glendale police departments returned fire, hitting the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The handgun was recovered nearby, authorities said.
City officials said Spike will also be honored with images aboard Burbank's float in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day.
The city's 2026 float will carry the theme "All Paws on Deck," which will aim to highlight animal rescue efforts.
"The Burbank Police Department appreciates the community's overwhelming support since Spike's passing," according to a department statement. "This memorial provides an opportunity for the public and law enforcement partners to come together to honor Spike's legacy, heroic actions, and service to Burbank residents."
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