Just days after celebrating his fourth birthday, Spike the K-9 has lost his life after being shot by a gunman, the Burbank Police Department said Sunday.
The suspect, who tried to run away from police during a traffic stop off the 5 Freeway on Buena Vista Street Saturday night, fired multiple rounds, with at least one bullet striking the police department’s beloved K-9.
The Belgian Malinois, a two-year veteran with Burbank police, was described to be extremely intelligent and accomplished as he had recently become certified to serve as a narcotics dog.
“This is a tough one. This is no different than losing a police officer,” Lt. Derek Green with Burbank police said. “It’s a dog, but it is part of our law enforcement family.”
Green said, just like human officers, K-9s are often faced with dangerous situations and volatile suspects, but Spike the K-9 went after the gunman “without any hesitation.”
Spike was wearing a special bulletproof vest made for K-9s, but it wasn’t enough to save him. Right after a bullet struck him, the K-9 retreated to his handler before being rushed to an emergency veterinarian.
“The handler is upset, and I was with him for several hours last night at the hospital,” Lt. Green said. “It’s a double loss for him. This was his partner, but it was also his dog at home.”
Though “very skilled,” Spike knew how to turn it on and turn it off, Green said, as the “kind” K-9 behaved like regular dogs when not working.
“Your mission is complete, hero. Rest in heaven, enjoy endless treats and all the bites your brave heart desires,” the Burbank Police Department shared a poignant message for the late K-9 on social media.
Green said, with the death of Spike, there is now only one K-9 left at Burbank police.
As Spike’s remains were released Sunday evening, the Burbank police community was planning for a memorial in the coming days.
The suspect, who was fatally shot by officers following the exchange of gunfire, would have faced serious charges, equivalent to killing a human officer, if he were alive, Green explained.
The gunman’s identity was not released as of Sunday.
Source: NBC Los Angeles