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NewsABC7 WWSBAugust 12, 2026Manatee

Polk County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Ace retires following line-of-duty injury

K-9 Ace, a German shepherd with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, has officially retired after suffering a severe leg injury during a suspect pursuit on August 6. The dog underwent an amputation of his left front leg following the shooting and was honored during a visit to the sheriff's office on Tuesday.

law enforcementpublic safetyanimal welfare
Read the full story at ABC7 WWSB

Why It Matters

The incident highlights the risks faced by units in law enforcement, resulting in the permanent retirement of a service animal and the death of a suspect.

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 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.
  • Tampa General Hospital provided helicopter transport 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 stated that Ace is retired from service.
  • Deputy Natalie Oestreich is expected to return to duty following Ace's recovery.

Who's Mentioned

personNatalie Oestreich“Deputy and handler for K-9 Ace”organizationParkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic“Initial emergency medical facility”otherAce“7-year-old German shepherd K-9”organizationPolk County Sheriff’s Office“Law enforcement agency employing the K-9”personGrady Judd“Polk County Sheriff”personAngel Bowers“Suspect involved in the shooting”organizationTampa General Hospital“Provided air transport for the K-9”organizationVeterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch“Facility where amputation was performed”