NewsMySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)August 12, 2026Sarasota County
Polk County Sheriff’s K-9 Ace returns to office following line-of-duty injury
K-9 Ace, a German shepherd with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, visited the department for the first time since being shot in the line of duty on August 6. The dog underwent an amputation of his left front leg following the incident and is now entering retirement.
Read the full story at MySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)Why It Matters
The incident highlights the risks faced by units in active law enforcement operations and confirms the retirement of a specific service animal following a critical injury.
Key Facts
- K-9 Ace was shot on August 6 while pursuing a suspect near Kathleen, Florida.
- The shooting resulted in a broken leg and severe arterial damage for the K-9.
- The suspect, Angel Bowers, was killed by deputies during the encounter.
- K-9 Ace was initially treated at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland.
- The K-9 was transported via Tampa General Hospital’s Aeromed helicopter to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch.
- Veterinarians amputated Ace's left front leg due to the severity of the injury.
- Sheriff Grady Judd confirmed that K-9 Ace is retiring from service.
- Deputy Natalie Oestreich will return to duty following the recovery period.
Who's Mentioned
organizationVeterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch“Facility where amputation was performed”personNatalie Oestreich“Deputy and handler for K-9 Ace”organizationPolk County Sheriff’s Office“Law enforcement agency involved in the incident”personGrady Judd“Polk County Sheriff”organizationTampa General Hospital“Provided air transport for the K-9”personAngel Bowers“Suspect involved in the shooting”organizationParkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic“Initial emergency medical facility”otherAce“7-year-old German shepherd K-9”