Florida man throws, hits wife with Christmas tree after being asked to help make dinner: Police

A Florida man was arrested for hitting his wife with a Christmas tree after she asked him to help make dinner, according to police.

Richard Atchison reportedly got into a heated argument with his wife around 7:15 p.m. on Monday at the couple's home in Fruitland Park. The 52-year-old Florida man allegedly became angry when his wife asked him to help make dinner. The argument escalated when the woman put a spoon in the sink and accidentally splashed Atchison, according to the affidavit.

Deputies with the Lake County Sheriff's Office said Atchison began packing up his belongings to leave the home in central Florida and go to his vehicle. According to WOFL, "He then returned home because 'he had been drinking' and told his wife to leave instead."

The Orlando Sentinel reported, "When she tried to exit out the front door, Atchison pushed her away from the door, picked up a Christmas tree from the corner, then threw it toward the kitchen, according to the report."

Police say Atchison struck his wife with a part of the broken Christmas tree. The alleged victim tried to escape to the bedroom, but Atchison reportedly kicked down the door. He allegedly blocked the front door so his wife could not leave.

Police officers reportedly arrived at the crime scene to find Atchison yelling at his wife.

Atchison was arrested and charged with third-degree felony false imprisonment and domestic violence and misdemeanor violation of an injunction. He was booked into the Lake County Jail. He was released on $8,000 bond on Tuesday.