> At a Glance
> – Police dog Spike was shot and killed after a traffic stop near the 5 Freeway.
> – The fleeing suspect, Jose Domingo Ayala Alas, died in an officer-involved shoot-out.
> – Body-camera footage shows Spike being fired on while officers tried to arrest the suspect.
> – Why it matters: The death of a beloved K-9 highlights the dangers police animals face and has prompted a wave of community support.
A routine traffic stop near the 5 Freeway turned deadly last November when Burbank Police K-9 Spike was shot by a fleeing suspect. Newly released body-camera footage captures the moments that led to the dog’s death and the suspect’s eventual fatal confrontation with officers.
How the Pursuit Unfolded
Officers pulled over a vehicle off the freeway near Buena Vista Street and asked the driver and passenger for ID. When neither could produce identification, both were told to exit the car.
Instead of complying, 37-year-old Jose Domingo Ayala Alas sprinted across the freeway, slipped through a maintenance door, and hid in thick brush on the embankment.
Despite repeated commands to surrender, Ayala remained hidden. Officers released Spike to locate him. Moments later, gunfire erupted-Ayala shot the K-9, causing critical injuries.
Spike managed to retreat to his handler before being rushed to an emergency vet, but he later died from his wounds.
Suspect’s Background and Final Moments
- Gang affiliation: Documented member of the 18th Street gang.
- Criminal history: Prior arrests for weapons possession, including firearms.
- Fatal exchange: After shooting Spike, Ayala traded gunfire with officers and was shot and killed.
Burbank Police Department expressed deep sorrow over Spike’s death, noting the emotional toll on officers who worked alongside the dog.
Community members and neighboring law-enforcement agencies flooded the department with messages of support, honoring Spike’s service and sacrifice.
Key Takeaways
- Traffic stop escalated when the passenger fled and opened fire on K-9 Spike.
- Spike’s death marks a rare loss of a police dog in the line of duty.
- The suspect’s criminal history underscores the risks officers face during routine stops.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils law-enforcement teams-and their four-legged partners-encounter daily, while reinforcing the tight bond between police dogs and their handlers.
