Gang member identified as gunman in deadly Burbank K-9 shooting, police say

Authorities identified the man they say shot and killed a K-9 officer, Spike, while attempting to escape from police in Burbank.

Jose Domingo Ayala Alas, 37, was identified as the man accused of shooting the K-9 and at officers before being fatally shot during the gunfire exchange. Ayala Alas resided in Palmdale and was a documented 18th Street gang member, according to Lt. Brent Fekety with Burbank police.

Ayala Alas had prior arrests for possession of weapons, including firearms, police said.

The hours-long ordeal happened Nov. 22 on Buena Vista Street near the 5 Freeway on-ramp as an officer tried to enforce a traffic stop.

During the stop, a passenger of the car got out, ran up the freeway on-ramp before jumping over the freeway embankment wall adjacent to a residential neighborhood, the Burbank Police Department.

To help find the armed suspect hiding in the bushes, police dispatched the K-9, Spike, who later spotted the man. The suspect then fired multiple rounds, killing the police dog, before running away again.

Spike was taken to an emergency veterinarian but was later declared dead from his injuries.

Spike the K-9 was described as an intelligent and devoted partner, though gentle when off duty. He was expected to be honored at a memorial at the Burbank Police Department, as he was remembered for his tenacity and dedication.

“With profound sadness, we share the news of the passing of our beloved K9 Spike, who courageously gave his life in the line of duty after being struck by gunfire from an armed suspect,” the police department said on a social media post while declaring Spike’s end of watch. “Please keep Spike’s handler, Ofcr Salas, his family, and the Burbank PD in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this tremendous loss. You will be deeply missed, Spike.”

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.