A coward gunned down a police K-9 during a routine traffic stop in California, before also being shot dead when he opened fire at officers following a hours-long standoff.
The unidentified shooter had been the passenger in a car that was stopped late Saturday on the I-5 in Burbank for illegally tinted windows, the Los Angeles Times reported.
While the driver cooperated with officers, the passenger raced off, jumping off an embankment, sparking a huge hunt involving a police helicopter.
A police K-9 officer, Spike, then found him hiding in bushes along the highway — just for the suspect to fire “multiple rounds, striking the canine before fleeing on foot,” police said.
The suspect was eventually cornered, with negotiators speaking in Spanish and English during a three-and-a-half-hour standoff. It ended with him being shot and killed by police when he shot at two of their vehicles, police said.
Although Spike was wearing a ballistic vest, “the vest doesn’t always save you,” Lt. Derek Green told reporters Sunday.
“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,” the department said of the 4-year-old Belgian Malinois.
“Your mission is complete, hero. Rest in heaven, enjoy endless treats and all the bites your brave heart desires.”
“This is a tough one,” Green said. “These are police officers. They’re dogs, but they’re part of the law enforcement family… trained to do exactly what this canine officer did. These dogs are trained to engage suspects in the most dangerous situations.”
Spike had spent 21 months with the force, where he became a popular fixture at community events.
“Thank you for the countless smiles you brought to the Burbank PD family with your presence,” the department said.
