Less than a week after being shot and losing his left front leg while protecting three deputies, Ace, a 7-year-old German shepherd with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, returned to the agency for an emotional visit on Tuesday, August 12, 2026.

Ace was wounded during an attempted arrest of 27-year-old Angel Bowers, who allegedly fired at least four rounds at deputies after failing to appear in court. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Ace shielded the deputies but was shot in his left front leg, shattering the bone and tearing an artery which caused massive blood loss.

Ace's partner and handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich, treated his wounds and carried him to safety. Ace was initially stabilized at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland before being airlifted by Tampa General Hospital Aeromed helicopter to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch.

Despite the severity of his injuries and subsequent amputation of his left front leg, Ace showed remarkable resilience. Upon waking from anesthesia, he attempted to walk and even outran the camera during his release. Two days after the shooting, he made his first trip back to the sheriff's office.

Sheriff Judd expressed pride in Ace and Deputy Oestreich, saying, "We are so proud of Natalie and Ace. They stood in the gap between good and evil and they saved three deputies' lives. That's why we're so proud of him. He did so good."

Ace will retire following his critical injury. The sheriff's office wished him well, saying, "Chill out and enjoy your retirement Ace."

Sources