A northeast Missouri man is accused of threatening to harm his girlfriend with an ax.

Kirksville police were called to their apartment complex in the 300 block of South High Street shortly after 9:30 a.m. Monday.

Christopher Scott Peterson, 28, of Kirksville, is now charged with unlawful use of a weapon and fourth-degree domestic assault.

According to court documents, when an officer asked the woman if Peterson had threatened her with an ax, she shook her head yes.

Police did find a two-sided ax in the couple's apartment.

Peterson told officers he didn't threaten his girlfriend with it.

The woman told investigators they were having a verbal argument. She denied any physical contact.

A neighbor said she heard Peterson say, "I wouldn't kill you with an ax. I'd kill you with the gun."

Peterson is being held without bond pending a court appearance.

He is an inmate at the Adair County Law Enforcement Center.