Burbank Police K9 'Spike' Fatally Shot During Suspect Apprehension on 5 Freeway

Loss of K9 Officer Spike

• 💔 The Burbank Police Department is mourning the loss of K9 officer Spike, who was fatally wounded in the line of duty.
• 😔 Spike was known for his intelligent, dedicated partnership and gentle nature off duty, as shared by the department on social media.

Incident Overview

• 🚨 The incident began with a traffic stop on Buena Vista Street near the I-5 on-ramp around 6:30 PM.
• 🏃 A passenger fled the vehicle, ran up the on-ramp, and jumped into a residential neighborhood, believed to be armed.
• 🚁 During the search, K9 Spike, along with a helicopter, located the suspect.

Confrontation and Fatalities

• 💥 The suspect allegedly fired multiple shots, striking Spike, and then fled.
• 🏥 Spike was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
• barricaded himself near the Northbound 5 Freeway Buena Vista on-ramp, leading to the deployment of Burbank SWAT and additional canine units.
• 🗣️ Despite attempts to communicate and the use of less-lethal options, the suspect began shooting at officers.
• 🔫 Officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who died at the scene. A handgun was recovered.
• 📍 The scene remained blocked off along the 5 Freeway near Buena Vista Street and Winona for investigation.