KATHLEEN, Fla. – Ace, a Polk County K9, is recovering after being shot and critically injured on Thursday night during a shootout in Kathleen.
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The backstory:
The suspect, Angel Bowers, in the deputy-involved shooting was killed. Bowers, who was already facing a charge of unlawful sex with a minor, failed to make a court appearance on Monday. A warrant was issued for him, and a bondman was trying to locate him Thursday morning.
The bondsman was later told the suspect was at his tent in the woods off of Rushing Road in Kathleen. Polk County deputies arrived to assist, including K9 Ace with his handler.Â
Polk County K9 shot
The 7-year-old German Shepherd was shot in the front left leg when the suspect opened fire from inside his tent, according to authorities. The bullet broke his leg and tore an artery, causing severe blood loss.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd credited Ace with saving the lives of three deputies.Â
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Ace was taken to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland where the team stopped the bleeding and stabilized the dog. Once he was stabilized, Ace was picked up by Tampa General Hospital’s Aeromed helicopter and transported to Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton.
Community support for Ace
What’s next:
Ace has been with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office since March 2020. Because of his injuries, he will have to retire from service.
The Wiltse Family Trust is committed to covering Ace’s medical care costs and funding a replacement K9. Community members who want to help can donate to the Polk Sheriff’s Charities K9 Fund at polksheriff.org/donate.
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