A Harlan County Sheriff's deputy says he was held at gunpoint while trying to make an arrest.

Deputy Chris Brewer went to serve an Emergency Protection Order on Tony Caldwell in Wallins when he got an unwelcome surprise.

Brewer says thanks to training he is alive and able to talk about what happened...proving the best weapon you have is your mind.

Deputy Chris Brewer says Caldwell told him to take his radio and belt off.

"He said he didn't care one bit to blow me away...because he served in the army. I looked at the shot gun and he had one racked ready to fire," said Brewer.

Brewer says he tried to talk to Caldwell and relate to him.

"I told him that my dad's name is Tony. He served in the military and passed away," said Brewer.

In that moment Brewer says he put his faith in God and his training.

"I can't lie, I was scared. I said a prayer. I just kept an eye on the shot gun. I just kept telling myself I was going to come out alive and I was going to be the one going home that day," said Brewer.

Just a few minutes later, Brewer found a way to get out of the situation.

"He lowered the gun and put the safety on... and when he did that I was able to reach in," said Brewer.

Brewer then got his radio and called for backup.

Caldwell is facing several charges including kidnapping and disarming a peace officer.

WYMT asked Caldwell for his side of the story from jail--he declined.