08/30/2025
😘Updated: Apollo’s surgery was successful and he is currently recovering under observation.
For Immediate Release:
A Rock Hill Police K9 is hospitalized after being stabbed while apprehending a suspect armed with a knife. The incident began on August 28, 2025, at 10:07 p.m. when officers responded to a home in the 900 block of Martin Avenue.
The 56-year-old female victim called reporting Travonte Tate attempted to stab her with a knife. Tate was in the yard and ran away when officers arrived. Several officers began pursuing after Tate. K9 Apollo was released to assist with the chase. Apollo was able to catch Tate and take him to the ground. While Apollo actively engaged in holding Tate for officers, Tate used a knife to stab Apollo several times. A Rock Hill Officer intervened grabbing Tate’s arm to stop him from further harming Apollo. Tate was disarmed and taken into custody. Apollo was rushed to the emergency vet where his treatment began.
The victim told officers Tate chased her to her bedroom with a knife while threatening to kill her over belongings he stored in the home. Two other individuals inside the home were able to pull Tate away allowing the victim to call police.
Based on the investigation, Tate, 35 of Rock Hill, was charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon During a Crime of Violence, Resisting Arrest with a Deadly Weapon, and Unlawful to torture, mutilate, injure, disable, poison, or kill police dog or horse.
Apollo is stable and scheduled for surgery this afternoon. Expectations are Apollo will recover and return to duty when healed. Tent
