A man in Sullivan County, Tenn. (WJHL) has been charged with aggravated assault, aggravated rape, and aggravated kidnapping after the Bluff City Police Department (BCPD) responded to an incident at a residence.

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.

As the BCPD delved further into the investigation, they uncovered “a disturbing pattern of animal abuse,” according to their statement. Pippins is now additionally charged with 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.