A suspect faces attempted murder and assault charges after police said a market employee was cut.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — A Jefferson City deli worker said a regular customer saved her during a Tuesday morning knife attack at Lakeview Market, where police said a 61-year-old woman entered with a large knife and attacked employees.
The Jefferson City Police Department said officers were called to the market on West Old Andrew Johnson Highway shortly after 6 a.m. They found Elizabeth Ann Scott detained by a customer, Tony Cate, who had stepped in during the attack. Scott was later charged with attempted first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault.
Police said Scott first threatened a front cashier before walking toward the deli counter. Cate was inside the store for breakfast when he saw Scott move behind the counter with the knife. He said the moment left little time to think. “It just kicked in,” Cate said, describing how he grabbed Scott and took the knife from her.
The deli employee suffered a minor cut after police said the knife touched her abdomen and broke the skin. Investigators said Scott continued holding the worker’s shirt during the struggle. Cate pinned Scott on the serving counter and kept her there until officers arrived. No other serious injuries were reported.
The worker, Christie Sims, later described Cate as a hero. Cate rejected the attention, saying he acted because someone was in danger. Police praised the customer’s quick action, saying he intervened without regard for his own safety and prevented further injury.
Investigators have not released a motive. Police said Scott made statements that referenced demons during the encounter. The case now moves through the local court system, where prosecutors will handle the attempted murder and assault counts.
By the end of the week, the attack had drawn attention across East Tennessee because of the brief, violent scene and the customer who ended it. Cate said the most important fact was simple: the workers survived.
Author note: Last updated April 26, 2026.