Jeffrey Emery, 27, Toronto, was arrested and charged with child endangerment and assaulting a police officer Thursday night.

Toronto police officer Rick Parker said the dispute began at a home in Mingo Junction. Police said Emery took his wife and her two children hostage, left the home, and headed north on Route 7.

"Apparently they were at a friend's house in Mingo Junction. It started as a domestic and came up the highway," Parker said.

Parker said Emery's wife dialed 911 on her cell phone, a call which first went to Brooke County then to the Jefferson County 911 Center.

Toronto police were then alerted that Emery may be headed toward an apartment on Banks Street, where Emery's wife had lived with her children for several years.

Emery moved into that apartment after they were recently married.

Police found Emery hiding being an air conditioning unit outside of the apartment. Police said Emery then struck Officer Charlie Daniels in the face.

Daniels apprehended Emery and took him into custody on hostage charges in addition to child endangerment and assault of a police officer.

Emery does have a previous criminal record. Jefferson County Prosecutor Tom Strauss said Emery is currently under indictment for breaking and entering and a theft offense from July of last year.

After posting bond for that theft case, Strauss said Emery was indicted again last month on charges of ATV theft.

"As soon as we review that file we will move to revoke his bond and get this guy locked down," Strauss said.

Emery remains in the Jefferson County Justice Center and was expected to be arraigned either on Friday or Monday.

Stay with NEWS9 for continuing coverage.

-Renee Cardelli & Dino Orsatti, NEWS9