Woman stabs ex, says she was trying to destroy the Christmas sweater she gave him

A La Crosse woman is behind bars after stabbing her ex-boyfriend in the arm.

Renee Clayton was at her ex’s apartment discussing New Year’s Eve plans.

When he said he wanted to spend it with his family, the 32-year-old Clayton became angry.

A fight broke out and she allegedly choked him for five seconds. The argument spilled into the kitchen, where Clayton got a steak knife and stabbed the man.

Clayton told La Crosse police she bought him a sweatshirt he was wearing for Christmas, and she was trying to destroy it. She also, apparently, claimed she was just protecting herself.

Clayton faces charges of disorderly conduct, substantial battery and strangulation.

The man was arrested for violating a no-contact order