Heroic K-9 Ace Returns to Polk County Sheriff’s Office After Losing Leg in Gunfire

A decorated K-9 from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office made a triumphant homecoming Tuesday, just days after sustaining a gunshot wound that cost him his front leg while defending three officers during an arrest attempt. Ace, a 7-year-old German shepherd with nearly four years of service dating to March 2020, has already retired from active duty following the harrowing incident.

The shooting occurred when 27-year-old Angel Bowers allegedly discharged at least four shots at deputies attempting to apprehend him for failing to appear in court. Bowers died at the scene after being fired upon by law enforcement. During the confrontation, Ace shielded the three officers from gunfire but suffered severe injury to his left front leg, with the bullet shattering bone and severing an artery that caused critical blood loss.

Deputy Natalie Oestreich, Ace’s handler and partner, provided immediate emergency care and transported the wounded dog to safety. Ace was initially stabilized at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland before an Aeromed helicopter from Tampa General Hospital airlifted him to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch, where surgeons amputated his damaged leg.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd praised both officer and canine for their heroism. “They stood in the gap between good and evil and they saved three deputies’ lives,” Judd stated. Video footage captured Ace walking out of the medical center under his own power while wearing a shirt emblazoned with “ride or die,” receiving applause from gathered deputies.

Oestreich will remain with Ace during his recovery period before resuming her duties. The sheriff’s office announced that Ace will not return to law enforcement work. Polk Sheriff’s Charities Inc. established a K-9 fund to support Ace’s ongoing medical care, with donations available through the organization’s website.