Polk County K9 Ace was shot during a nighttime arrest attempt and required amputation of his front left leg; he is now in stable condition after emergency treatment and an airlift to a specialty clinic. The suspect, 27-year-old Angel Bowers, allegedly fired several shots and was killed by deputies at the scene. The Wiltz Family Trust will cover Ace’s veterinary bills and fund a replacement dog, and Ace will retire to live with his handler, Deputy Natalie Astrike.
Polk County K9 ‘Ace’ Loses Leg After Being Shot During Arrest Attempt; Suspect Killed
Image Credit: Tampa Bay 28 / YouTube.
A Polk County Sheriff's Office K9, Ace, is recovering after being shot during a nighttime arrest attempt near Lakeland, Florida. The injury was severe enough that veterinarians amputated Ace’s front left leg, but officials say he is now in stable condition and will retire to live with his handler, Deputy Natalie Astrike.
What Happened
Deputies were attempting to take 27-year-old Angel Bowers into custody on a warrant connected to a child sex crime charge when a bondsman led them to a tent hidden deep in the woods near Kathleen. According to reports, Bowers warned officers that he had a gun and intended to shoot, then allegedly fired about four times. Ace was struck almost immediately. Deputies returned fire and Bowers was killed at the scene.
Response and Medical Care
Body-worn camera footage and radio traffic captured the moment Deputy Astrike called for help — not for herself, but for her partner. Astrike rushed Ace to an emergency veterinary clinic in Lakeland for stabilization. Tampa General’s Pyramid helicopter then airlifted Ace to a specialty veterinary facility near Lakewood Ranch, where surgeons ultimately amputated his front left leg. The sheriff’s office reported Ace is now in stable condition.
Image Credit: Tampa Bay 28 / YouTube.
The Bond Between Handler and K9
Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized the deep bond between a K9 and its handler, saying the connection can be closer than that of siblings and likening the shooting to losing a family member. K9 teams are trained partners who accompany deputies into dangerous situations, and Ace had served six years with the department.
Aftermath and Support
Because of the amputation, Ace will retire from active duty but will remain with Deputy Astrike. The Wiltz Family Trust has pledged to cover Ace’s veterinary bills and to fund the department’s next canine, a gesture county officials highlighted as an example of the community stepping up after a traumatic event.
Summary: Angel Bowers was killed at the scene, Ace is recovering after surgery and amputation, and Polk County law enforcement expects to receive a new K9 in the future.
Image Credit: Tampa Bay 28 / YouTube
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