Florida K-9 Ace returned to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office less than a week after being shot while protecting three deputies during an attempted arrest. The 7-year-old German shepherd lost his left front leg in the incident but walked out of veterinary care under his own power. Ace is now recovering with his handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich, before beginning his retirement from law enforcement.
The shooting occurred as deputies attempted to arrest 27-year-old Angel Bowers, who authorities said had failed to appear in court and allegedly fired at least four rounds. Bowers was killed by deputies at the scene.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | The shooting during an attempted arrest |
| 2) | Ace’s critical injuries and emergency treatment |
| 3) | A determined return from veterinary care |
| 4) | A first visit back to the sheriff’s office |
| 5) | Retirement and continued support for Ace |
The shooting during an attempted arrest
Ace was wounded in Polk County, Florida, when deputies moved to arrest Angel Bowers. Authorities said Bowers had not appeared in court and allegedly opened fire on three deputies, firing at least four rounds. During the confrontation, Ace moved to protect the deputies and was struck in his left front leg.
The gunfire shattered the leg bone and severed an artery, causing severe blood loss. Bowers was killed by deputies at the scene. The incident left Ace critically injured but credited him with helping shield the officers during the attempted arrest.
Ace’s critical injuries and emergency treatment
Deputy and handler Natalie Oestreich treated Ace at the scene and carried him to safety, according to the sheriff’s office. He was first taken to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland, where medical staff stabilized him.
Ace was then transported by a Tampa General Hospital Aeromed helicopter to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch. Veterinarians performed a several-hour operation to amputate his left front leg. The surgery was necessary because of the extensive damage caused by the gunshot.
A determined return from veterinary care
Despite the operation, Ace showed signs of mobility and energy almost immediately. The sheriff’s office said he tried to walk after waking from anesthesia and remained determined during his recovery at the veterinary medical center.
“Upon waking from the anesthesia, Ace attempted to walk out of there. He has not been deterred since.”
In video shared by the sheriff’s office, Ace interacted with visiting deputies before leaving the medical center under his own power. He wore a shirt reading “ride or die” as staff and deputies applauded his release.
A first visit back to the sheriff’s office
Two days after leaving veterinary care, Ace returned to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for the first time since the shooting. The visit gave deputies an opportunity to see his progress and welcome him back after the life-threatening injury.
Sheriff Grady Judd said Ace was eating, energetic and displaying his familiar personality during the visit. Judd also praised Oestreich for treating and carrying her partner during the emergency.
“We are so proud of Natalie and Ace. They stood in the gap between good and evil and they saved three deputies’ lives.”
Retirement and continued support for Ace
Ace joined the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in March 2020 and served for more than six years before the shooting. Although he is recovering, he will not return to active law enforcement. Oestreich will spend time with him during his recovery before returning to work.
The sheriff’s office said Ace’s days of pursuing suspects are over, but his role in protecting the deputies has made him one of the agency’s heroes. Polk Sheriff’s Charities Inc. established a K-9 fund to help support his ongoing care.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ace was shot while protecting three deputies during an attempted arrest. |
| 2 | Veterinarians amputated his severely injured left front leg. |
| 3 | The 7-year-old German shepherd walked out of veterinary care without assistance. |
| 4 | Ace will recover with his handler before retiring from law enforcement. |
Summary
Ace’s return marked a hopeful milestone after a shooting that caused the loss of his front leg. His recovery has been supported by veterinary teams, his handler and the deputies he helped protect. The K-9 will now retire while receiving continued care through a dedicated fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ace?
Ace is a 7-year-old German shepherd who served with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office beginning in March 2020.
How was Ace injured?
He was shot in the left front leg while protecting three deputies during an attempted arrest in Florida.
Will Ace return to police work?
No. After recovering from his injuries, Ace will retire from law enforcement and remain with his handler during his recovery.
