LAKELAND, Fla. — A Polk County Sheriff’s Office K-9 remains in critical condition after being shot during a deputy-involved shooting in Lakeland Thursday.
Sheriff Grady Judd is expected to provide an update Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. regarding K-9 Ace’s condition and the investigation into the shooting.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened on Rushing Road as deputies were attempting to arrest 27-year-old Angel Bowers.
The sheriff’s office said Bowers was wanted on an arrest warrant after missing a court hearing related to child sex charges.
Investigators said Bowers opened fire during the encounter, shooting at three PCSO deputies and striking K-9 Ace.
Deputies returned fire, and Bowers was killed.
Watch Sheriff Judd’s full news conference here:
All deputies involved in the incident were reported safe.
Ace, a sheriff’s office K-9 assigned to Deputy Sheriff Oestreich, was shot in the leg and is receiving medical treatment.
Because of a Florida law passed in 2021, injured law enforcement K-9s can receive emergency medical care and, when necessary, be transported for lifesaving treatment.
The 10th Judicial Circuit Officer-Involved Deadly Incident Task Force is investigating the officer-involved shooting.
The sheriff’s office said more information about Ace’s condition and the ongoing investigation will be released during Friday’s news conference.
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