Bluff City man facing rape and animal cruelty charges

A man faces charges of aggravated assault, aggravated rape and aggravated kidnapping after the Bluff City Police Department was called to a home. According to a news release, officers were called to a home on Hillcrest Rd on Tuesday in response to a “serious incident.” Police identified Robert Pippins as the suspect and took him into custody at the home. As an investigation into the incident continued, police discovered a “disturbing pattern of animal abuse.” Pippins is also facing 15 counts of animal cruelty.