Overview
- Police say deputies and K9 Ace approached a tent in thick woods near Kathleen when the wanted man, Angel Bowers, announced he had a gun and opened fire during the Aug. 6 arrest attempt.
- Investigators believe Bowers fired at least four rounds and one bullet struck Ace in the left chest and shoulder, badly damaging a front leg and an artery.
- Ace’s handler carried him to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic, and Tampa General Aeromed flew the dog to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch where he received transfusions and surgery that led to amputation of the front left leg; surgeons reported he was stable.
- SWAT later cleared the tent and found Bowers dead holding a handgun, an autopsy reported a single gunshot wound to the head, and officers recovered a stolen 9mm FN pistol with an extended magazine.
- The Wiltse Family Trust and community donors pledged to cover Ace’s care and fund a replacement K9, and the 10th Judicial Circuit officer‑involved deadly incident task force has opened an active review of the shooting.