During a sentencing hearing Wednesday, a judge ordered a Central Whidbey man who pointed a gun at a deputy to write a letter of apology.

Seth Goeltzenleuchter may also want to thank the deputy for not shooting him.

Goeltzenleuchter pleaded guilty in Island County Superior Court Feb 5. to assault in the second degree.

Under the terms of a plea bargain, the prosecution and defense recommended that he receive a sentence of six months in jail.

Judge Alan Hancock agreed with the jail time, but added that Goeltzenleuchter should write a letter of apology to Sgt. Darren Crownover with the Island County Sheriff’s Office. He said Goeltzenleuchter could have been shot dead.

“Fortunately, Deputy Crownover exercised admirable restraint,” Hancock said.

Last September, Crownover responded to a report of a dispute between Goeltzenleuchter and tenants living in a trailer on a property on State Highway 525. Crownover knocked on the door to Goeltzenleuchter’s trailer, but Goeltzenleuchter would only knock back from inside.

After Crownover announced “sheriff’s office,” Goeltzenleuchter opened the door and pointed a handgun at the deputy. Crownover quickly took cover and drew his firearm.

Goeltzenleuchter eventually came out of the trailer and was arrested with a loaded Colt .38 in his pocket.

Two people who were living in the RV on the property reported that Goeltzenleuchter had been harassing them because rent was due. Goeltzenleuchter honked his horn, flashed lights, threatened to kill them and drove his truck toward the RV while spinning the tires, the report states.