SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A man faces charges of aggravated assault, aggravated rape and aggravated kidnapping after the Bluff City Police Department (BCPD) was called to a home.

According to a news release from the BCPD, officers were called to a home on Hillcrest Rd on Tuesday in response to a “serious incident.”

When officers arrived, they reportedly learned that a “physical aggravated assault had taken place, accompanied by aggravated rape and kidnapping.”

Police identified Robert Pippins as the suspect and took him into custody at the home.

The BCPD reports that as an investigation into the incident continued, a “disturbing pattern of animal abuse was discovered.” The release states Pippins is also facing 15 counts of animal cruelty.

As of Friday, the BCPD and the Sullivan County Animal Shelter were working to collect evidence against Pippins.

The BCPD stated further charges against Pippins are pending, and the investigation is ongoing.