Burbank community mourns police dog shot, killed by armed man
A memorial continues to grow for a Burbank police dog killed in the line of duty by a man who was fatally shot by officers.
The shooting unfolded following a traffic stop around 6:40 p.m. Saturday on the northbound on-ramp of the 5 Freeway, near Buena Vista Street, Burbank police Lt. Derek Green said.
A passenger in the car ran away from officers and eventually hid in some bushes. When officers saw the man was armed, Spike was sent in for help.
Spike was shot at least once when he approached the armed man, Green said. He was taken to an emergency veterinarian but was pronounced dead.
MORE COVERAGE: Burbank K-9 dead, suspect killed in shootout with police
"This is no different than losing a police officer, these are police officers. It's a dog, but it's part of our law enforcement family," Green told Eyewitness News Sunday. "These police K-9s are essentially a partner to its handler."
The suspect was later killed in a shootout with officers.
Spike is the first Burbank K-9 to die in the line of duty.
Burbank resident Donavan Yaple, like so many who have come by to see the growing memorial, are grieving the loss of Spike.
"He was a success. He did his job, and he did his job well. For that, he lives for eternity," Yaple said Monday while visiting the memorial at the police station.
Thomas Martin, who is visiting from Florida, went to the memorial to pay his respects.
"He's out there doing his job. He's trying to protect us, the same as a human police officer or a firefighter," Martin said.
Spike was 4 years old and a two-year veteran of the Burbank Police Department.
Burbank police says there will be a public memorial for Spike, but a time hasn't been set.
