The death of a Burbank police K-9 has shaken the San Fernando Valley community after the news of the fatal shooting spread Monday.
Spike, two-year veteran K-9 with the Burbank Police Department, was fatally shot by a man who was hiding from police Saturday night. The man fired multiple rounds, with at least one bullet striking the 4-year-old Belgian Malinois.
The memorial for the K-9 at the police department grew Monday afternoon with many community members and families stopping by to pay their respects and bringing flowers and balloons.
“It’s just sad because I grew up here,” Susana, a Burbank resident, said as she stopped by the memorial Monday. “I have a lot of respect for the Burbank Police Department. Sorry to get emotional, but they protect us. And even for a K-9, he was just doing his job.”
Beloved by every member of the police department, Spike was described to be devoted and skilled but also played like a regular dog when not working, according to Burbank police.
“If anyone has lost a pet in their lives, you can understand what this family is going through, what this department is going through,” said Addison Rivera, who drove to Burbank from Alhambra to pay respects.
The police department said there will be a memorial service for Spike, but details were not immediately available.
“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.
Spike’s handler, whose family also enjoyed the K-9’s company at home, was gripped with grief after he spent several hours at the hospital because the dog was declared deceased.
“It’s a double loss for him. This was his partner, but it was also his dog at home,” said Lt. Derek Green with Burbank police.
Spike was brought into the manhunt when a man, during a traffic stop on Buena Vista Street off the 5 Freeway, jumped out of the car and ran up the freeway on-ramp. The K-9 was sent to look for the suspect who was hiding in the bushes before being fatally shot.
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 gunman was later shot and killed by officers after refusing to surrender.
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