WACO, TX – On Valentine’s Day, a domestic disturbance in McClellan, Texas, led to the arrest of a 57-year-old woman who allegedly attacked her husband with a kitchen knife, unhappy with the romantic gift she received. Rita Tate faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following the incident.

Police reports indicate that officers from the Waco Police Department responded to a distress call around 10:20 p.m. on February 14 at a residence located on the 5500 block of Black Horse Court. The call was categorized as a “domestic disturbance” and noted as a “lovers quarrel.”

The caller, identified later as Ms. Tate’s husband, informed dispatchers that his wife was threatening him with a knife. The situation unfolded due to dissatisfaction over a Valentine’s Day gift—a necklace instead of the anticipated bracelet.

Upon arriving at the scene, police officers were met by Mr. Tate, who recounted the events leading up to the confrontation. According to his testimony, the disagreement began in the morning when he presented his wife with the jewelry. Her displeasure lingered throughout the day, even as Mr. Tate left for work, hoping time apart would diffuse the tension.

Returning home around 4 p.m., Mr. Tate found his wife still agitated. He opted to leave again, anticipating that some distance might help. Instead, when he got back home later, tensions escalated, and Tate allegedly brandished a large kitchen knife, threatening him.

Feeling endangered, Mr. Tate captured video evidence of the encounter, which he later shared with police. The footage reportedly corroborated his account, showing Ms. Tate holding the knife and making threatening gestures.

After being taken into custody, Ms. Tate was transported to and processed at the McLennan County Jail. According to jail records, she was no longer held there as of Thursday afternoon.

Police continue investigating the incident, underscoring the serious nature of domestic disputes that can sometimes arise during emotionally charged occasions.