Polk County deputies shot and killed 27-year-old Angel Bowers after authorities say he opened fire on three deputies in Lakeland, seriously wounding K9 Ace. Ace later underwent surgery and had his front left leg amputated.

Armed Suspect Killed by Polk County Deputies After Shooting at Three Deputies, Seriously Wounding K9

By Digital Staff Reporter

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published August 12th, 2026

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POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has released a difficult update on K9 Ace after the law enforcement canine was seriously wounded during a deadly shootout with an armed suspect in Lakeland.

According to PCSO, Ace underwent surgery following the shooting, and while the procedure went well, the injuries to his front left leg were so severe that veterinarians were unable to save it. His leg had to be amputated.

Despite the devastating injury, the Sheriff’s Office says Ace is currently in stable condition as he begins what will likely be a significant recovery.

Ace remains under the care of veterinary specialists at the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office also announced that the Wiltse Family Trust has offered to cover the cost of Ace’s veterinary treatment in Bradenton.

Standing beside Ace throughout the ordeal has been his handler and partner, Deputy Sheriff Natalie Oestreich, who PCSO says has remained by Ace’s side since he was shot.

Armed Suspect Opens Fire on Three Deputies

The shooting happened Thursday night, August 6, 2026, as Polk County deputies attempted to locate 27-year-old Angel Bowers of Lakeland.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Bowers had an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear on a charge of Unlawful Sex with a Minor.

At approximately 9 p.m., deputies learned Bowers was staying inside a tent in a wooded area near Rushing Road and Chart Prine Road in Lakeland.

Three deputies approached the tent but were unable to see inside.

Deputies called out to Bowers and ordered him to come outside.

Instead, PCSO says Bowers suddenly began firing several rounds from inside the tent toward the deputies.

During the gunfire, K9 Ace was struck once in the chest.

None of the three deputies were injured.

Veterinary teams work to treat PCSO K9 Ace after he was seriously wounded in a Lakeland shooting. Ace underwent surgery and is now stable after veterinarians were forced to amputate his front left leg. Photos courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Bullet Traveled Through Ace’s Chest and Into Leg

According to PCSO, the bullet entered Ace’s chest and traveled into his front left leg, breaking the leg and tearing an artery.

Deputy Oestreich immediately picked Ace up and rushed him to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in south Lakeland.

Ace was stabilized at the emergency clinic before being transported aboard a Tampa General Hospital Aeromed helicopter to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton for advanced treatment.

Veterinarians later determined the damage to Ace’s leg was too extensive to repair, and the limb was amputated.

Deputies Return Fire, Suspect Killed

After Bowers fired toward the deputies, they returned fire into the tent.

Once the gunfire stopped, deputies could hear moaning coming from inside the tent but were still unable to see Bowers.

When deputies were eventually able to safely enter, they found Bowers deceased.

According to PCSO, Bowers still had his firearm in his hand when deputies located him.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd addressed the shooting following the deadly encounter.

“Angel Bowers got exactly what he asked for; we obliged him. He shot at my deputies and they shot back at him—a lot. It was by the Grace of God that the deputies were not injured. K9 Ace, while he was injured, got medical treatment quickly, and it is my hope that he can recover.”

Four Investigations Underway

As required following a deputy-involved deadly shooting, multiple investigations are underway.

The 10th Judicial Circuit Officer-Involved Deadly Incident Task Force is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Investigations Unit is conducting an internal review.

The Polk County Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine Bowers’ official cause and manner of death.

The investigative findings will also be forwarded to the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office for review.

Veterinary teams work to treat PCSO K9 Ace after he was seriously wounded in a Lakeland shooting. Ace underwent surgery and is now stable after veterinarians were forced to amputate his front left leg. Photos courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

K9 Ace Stable After Surgery

While Ace now faces life without his front left leg, the latest update from PCSO brings encouraging news.

Ace survived the shooting, made it through surgery and is currently stable.

His handler, Deputy Oestreich, continues to remain beside him as the K9 begins his recovery.

Source: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, information sent directly to iSkyNews.com.

Stay tuned to iSkyNews.com for updates on K9 Ace’s recovery and the ongoing investigation.