The Brief
- A suspect in a Polk County deputy-involved shooting died Thursday after opening fire from inside a tent in Kathleen.
- Critical injuries struck 7-year-old K9 Ace, who took a gunshot wound to his leg while protecting responding deputies.
- Emergency medical teams rushed the wounded police dog to surgery before arranging an airlift for specialized veterinary care.
KATHLEEN, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd credits a K9, who was shot and critically injured by a suspect, with saving the lives of three deputies Thursday evening.
The suspect, Angel Bowers, in the deputy-involved shooting was killed, and 7-year-old K9 Ace is now fighting for his life. The K9 was rushed to an emergency vet and will be airlifted for advanced treatment.
K9 shot in Kathleen
What we know:
Judd said this started when Bowers, who was already facing charge of unlawful sex with a minor, failed to make a court appearance on Monday. A warrant was issued for him, and a bondman was trying to locate him Thursday morning. …