In a case that shook the Rock Hill community and highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement animals, Travonte Tate has been sentenced to the maximum possible prison term for the brutal stabbing of K9 Officer Apollo.
Following a guilty plea, a York County judge sentenced Tate to five years for cruelty to a police dog—the statutory maximum for the charge—and a concurrent eight-year sentence for resisting arrest with a weapon.
The Night of the Incident
The sentencing stems from a violent encounter on August 28, 2025. Officers were called to a residence on Martin Avenue after a 56-year-old woman reported that Tate had chased her with a knife and threatened her life.
When police arrived, Tate fled into the surrounding area, prompting the deployment of K9 Apollo. The highlights of the confrontation include:
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Apprehension: Apollo successfully tracked and apprehended Tate.
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The Assault: While being held by the K9, Tate produced a knife and stabbed Apollo multiple times.
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The Arrest: Officers were forced to physically wrestle the weapon away from Tate to take him into custody.
Apollo’s Recovery
The initial outlook for Apollo was grim, as he was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital in critical condition. However, following surgery and extensive care, the K9 hero has recovered from his wounds.
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