Jose Domingo Ayala Alas, accused of killing Burbank K-9 Spike, was documented gang member, police say
Burbank police have identified the man they say shot and killed their police K-9, Spike . They say the suspect was a documented gang member.
Police say 37-year-old Jose Domingo Ayala Alas from Palmdale was a passenger in a car they were trying to pull over for tinted windows on Saturday.
Investigators say he jumped out, ran up the 5 Freeway on-ramp near Buena Vista Street, jumped over the freeway embankment wall and ran into a nearby neighborhood.
Officers used a police K-9 and a police helicopter to search for the suspect. When Spike located him, Ayala Alas reportedly fired multiple rounds, shooting Spike. He then fled on foot, Burbank police say.
Spike was taken to a local emergency veterinarian, where he was pronounced dead.
The police helicopter later located Ayala Alas concealed in the trees near the 5 Freeway.
Multiple law enforcement agencies joined Burbank police -- including the Glendale and Pasadena police departments, additional K-9 units, crisis negotiators and SWAT teams -- in trying to get the suspect to surrender.
Burbank police said officers made multiple de-escalation attempts, including the deployment of less-lethal systems. But at some point, Ayala Alas reportedly fired at officers, striking police vehicles.
Officers returned fire, shooting and killing Ayala Alas. Investigators say a loaded handgun was recovered at the scene.
Police say he was a documented 18th Street gang member with prior arrests for possessing weapons, including firearms.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
SEE ALSO: Memorial grows for Burbank police dog shot, killed in line of duty
Tributes keep pouring in for Spike, who was the first Burbank K-9 to die in the line of duty.
The Burbank Police Foundation is now offering a t-shirt and plushie, plus a complimentary keepsake card featuring Spike's portrait, as a meaningful way to remember Spike on their website.
They say they've received an overwhelming amount of requests for memorabilia.
A large memorial continues to grow for the fallen K-9 outside the Burbank Police station.
Spike was 4 years old and a two-year veteran of the Burbank Police Department.
Burbank police say there will be a public memorial for Spike, but a time hasn't been set.
