The Brief
- A Tampa foundation is covering medical costs for Polk County Sheriff’s Office K9 Ace after he was shot on Thursday night.
- The wounded K9 underwent leg amputation surgery and is now recovering at home in retirement with handler Natalie Oestreich.
- The local non-profit has also committed to paying for a replacement K9 to support law enforcement officers in the community.
TAMPA, Fla. – A Tampa non-profit organization has stepped in to cover all medical expenses for a Polk County Sheriff’s Office dog who had his leg amputated after being shot in the line of duty last week.
Polk County K9 shot
What we know:
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said this started when Angel Bowers, who was already facing a charge of unlawful sex with a minor, failed to make a court appearance last Monday. A warrant was issued for him, and a bondsman was trying to locate him Thursday morning.
The bondsman was later told the suspect was at his tent in the woods off of Rushing Road in Kathleen. Polk County deputies arrived to assist, including K9 Ace with his handler. …