Just days after celebrating his fourth birthday, Spike the K-9 has lost his life after being shot by a gunman, the Burbank Police Department said Sunday.

A gunman, who tried to run away from police during a traffic stop off the 5 Freeway on Buena Vista Street Saturday night, fired multiple rounds, with at least one bullet striking the police department's beloved K-9.

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Spike, a two-year veteran with Burbank police, was described to be extremely intelligent and accomplished as he had recently become certified to serve as a narcotics dog.

“This is a tough one. This is no different than losing a police officer,” Lt. Derek Green with Burbank police said. “It's a dog, but it is part of our law enforcement family.”

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