An Oliver Springs man was charged with aggravated kidnapping and domestic assault after he allegedly brandished a butcher knife while arguing with his wife—from whom he was separated—laid on top of her, held the knife to his throat, and told her she could not leave, authorities said.

Mark T. Phillips, 36, of Half Moon Road went to the victim’s home on Edmonds Drive at about 7 p.m. Thursday. He let her take children in the home to school at about 7 a.m. Friday, and she sought refuge at the Oliver Springs Police Department, according to affidavits filed in Anderson County General Sessions Court by Oliver Springs Sgt. Rick Hamby.

There were four children asleep in the house at the time of the Thursday night argument, court records said. They range in age from 6 to 13.

Oliver Springs officers tried to locate Phillips, but he had fled. They later found him at an abandoned house near Foxwood Circle. He was aggressive toward police, the affidavits said.

In addition to aggravated kidnapping and domestic assault, he has also been charged with aggravated criminal trespassing. He remained jailed Monday afternoon.