Florida law enforcement dog Ace returned to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office days after being critically wounded while protecting three deputies during an attempted arrest. The 7-year-old German shepherd lost his left front leg after a gunshot shattered the bone and tore an artery. Ace walked out of veterinary care under his own power and later made his first visit back to the sheriff’s office.
The K-9 is expected to retire from law enforcement while continuing to recover with his handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich. The sheriff’s office has described Ace as a hero and established a fund to help support his ongoing care.
| 1) | Ace returns to the sheriff’s office |
| 2) | The shooting during an attempted arrest |
| 3) | Emergency treatment and recovery |
| 4) | Retirement after protecting deputies |
| 5) | Support for Ace’s continued care |
Ace returns to the sheriff’s office
Ace returned to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office less than a week after the shooting, marking his first visit to the agency since the injury. The 7-year-old German shepherd walked on his own despite having undergone an amputation, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from deputies and staff.
The visit came as Ace prepared to leave active law enforcement. His return allowed colleagues to see his progress and recognize the role he played in protecting three deputies during the confrontation in Florida.
The shooting during an attempted arrest
Ace was wounded while deputies attempted to arrest 27-year-old Angel Bowers, who authorities said had failed to appear in court. Investigators said Bowers allegedly fired at least four rounds at three deputies during the attempted arrest.
According to Sheriff Grady Judd, Ace moved to protect the deputies. A bullet struck the dog’s left front leg, shattering the bone and severing an artery, which caused massive blood loss. Bowers was killed by deputies at the scene.
Emergency treatment and recovery
Deputy Natalie Oestreich, Ace’s handler, treated his wounds and carried him to safety after the shooting. He was first taken to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland, where veterinary 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. After waking from anesthesia, Ace attempted to walk, and veterinary staff later recorded him leaving the medical center under his own power to applause.
“Upon waking from the anesthesia, Ace attempted to walk out of there. He has not been deterred since.”
Retirement after protecting deputies
Ace has served with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office since March 2020. Although he will not return to law enforcement duties, Oestreich will spend time with him during his recovery before returning to work.
Judd said Ace was eating, active and responding normally during his return. He credited the dog and his handler with standing between the deputies and the gunfire and said their actions saved three lives.
“They stood in the gap between good and evil and they saved three deputies’ lives. That’s why we’re so proud of him.”
Support for Ace’s continued care
The sheriff’s office has formally honored Ace, saying that although his days of chasing suspects are over, he will remain one of the agency’s heroes. His retirement follows a serious injury sustained in the line of duty rather than a routine end to his service.
Polk Sheriff’s Charities Inc. established a K-9 fund to help pay for Ace’s care as he adjusts to life after surgery. The sheriff’s office said members of the public who want to help may donate directly to the fund through the organization’s website.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ace protected three deputies during an attempted arrest. |
| 2 | A gunshot destroyed his left front leg and caused severe blood loss. |
| 3 | Veterinarians amputated the leg after emergency stabilization and transport. |
| 4 | The 7-year-old German shepherd will retire from law enforcement. |
| 5 | A charitable fund was created to assist with his continued care. |
Summary
Ace’s rapid return after a life-threatening shooting highlights both the risks faced by police K-9s and the veterinary care available in emergencies. The dog will retire with his handler while recovering from the amputation, and the sheriff’s office intends to continue recognizing his service to the agency and the deputies he protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to K-9 Ace?
Ace was shot in his left front leg while protecting three deputies during an attempted arrest. The injury required surgeons to amputate the leg.
When did Ace return to the sheriff’s office?
He returned days after the shooting, following emergency treatment, helicopter transport and surgery at a veterinary medical center.
Will Ace return to police work?
No. Ace will retire from law enforcement and continue recovering with his handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich.
How can people support Ace?
Polk Sheriff’s Charities Inc. established a K-9 fund to support Ace’s care, and the sheriff’s office said donations can be made through the organization’s website.