Police Canine Killed; Officer-Involved Shooting 

November 24, 2025 – Burbank Police Department officials announce the passing of their beloved K9 Spike. Full original information seen below.

It is 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.

K9 Spike was an intelligent and devoted partner, known for his gentle nature while off duty and his tenacity and dedication while serving.

Please keep Spike’s handler, Officer Salas, his family, and the Burbank PD in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this tremendous loss.

You will be deeply missed, Spike.

EOW: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

A K9’s Pledge:

“I will lay down my life for you and expect nothing but love in return. I protect all officers with my life, and would gladly take a bullet in their place. I am sent in to find lost children and fugitives on the run. I am first sent in and often the last to leave. I protect and serve and would die for any and all officers. I only ask for love and care.”

Without a shadow of a doubt, K9 Spike lived up to his pledge. K9 Spike made the ultimate sacrifice, putting his life on the line for his family.

Your mission is complete, hero. Rest in heaven, enjoy endless treats and all the bites your brave heart desires.

Thank you for the countless smiles you brought to the Burbank PD family with your presence.

You will never be forgotten.

Officer-Involved Shooting

The following is an update to an earlier news release regarding a shooting involving a Burbank Police canine. To read the original news release, see the previous post below.

During the incident, the police canine was struck by gunfire from a suspect armed with a handgun. The police canine was transported to a local emergency veterinarian but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

With the assistance of an air support unit, police officers were able to see the suspect hiding in terrain adjacent to the northbound Interstate-5 freeway near the Buena Vista Street on-ramp. The terrain was thick, uneven, and overgrown. The suspect was seen still armed with the handgun within proximity of a residential neighborhood.

Additional resources were necessary, so the incident transitioned into a joint agency operation between the Burbank and Glendale Police Departments. This included additional police canine units, crisis negotiators, and the Burbank Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).

Multiple efforts were made to communicate and negotiate with the suspect, encouraging him to surrender peacefully. Officers established a containment and deployed less lethal systems in an attempt to induce him to surrender.

During these attempts, the suspect began shooting at police officers, striking police vehicles parked near the scene. Officers returned fire, hitting the suspect. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The handgun was recovered.

The suspect’s identity is not yet known.

This investigation is ongoing and is expected to continue well into daylight hours when investigators can examine evidence.

Original posts below:

Active Shooting Investigation

Burbank Police Department officials report that on November 22, 2025, at about 6:40 p.m., Burbank Police officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the 2400 block of Buena Vista Street near the northbound I-5 on-ramp.

During the stop, a passenger fled from the vehicle, ran up the I-5 on-ramp, and jumped over the freeway embankment wall into a nearby residential neighborhood. Based on their observations, officers believed he may have been armed. The officers remained with the driver and vehicle while requesting assistance.

Additional police resources responded, and a coordinated search was initiated using a police canine and a police helicopter. During the search, the canine located the suspect. The suspect fired multiple rounds, striking the canine, before fleeing on foot.

Officers recovered the wounded canine and transported him for treatment.

Officers remain on scene conducting a systematic search for the suspect.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Burbank Police Department Investigations Division at (818) 238-3210.

Source & photo: Burbank Police Department