An 18-year-old man, who initially refused to drop a deer rifle when confronted by police, was sentenced Thursday to serve 3 to 6 months in prison.

But Butler County Judge Timothy McCune told the defendant, Dominic J. Ernst, he’s lucky he didn’t pay for the crime with his life.

“These officers would have been justified in shooting and killing you that night,” the judge said.

According to court records, the March 21 incident began when Butler City police officers responded to a domestic dispute in the 700 block of South Main Street.

Investigators believe Ernst and several other people were drinking beer at the apartment when an argument erupted.

During the argument, Ernst reportedly punched one man and trashed the house, according to court records.

Officers got there about the same time that Ernst’s mother, who also lived there, arrived. Ernst’s mother opened her second-floor apartment door for police, according to court records.

She went into the living room and suddenly Ernst emerged from a bedroom, holding a .30-06 hunting rifle, according to court records.

Patrolman Anthony Fatta was in the doorway with his gun drawn. And next to him, just outside, were Lt. James Hollobaugh and Patrolman David Villotti, who also had their guns drawn.

Ernst was holding the rifle in both arms but did not point the barrel at the officers. He stepped toward Fatta, who ordered him to drop his weapon three times.

Ernst refused the first two requests. But the third time, he complied.

Only later did the officers learn the gun was not loaded.

Ernst pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.

He was sentenced to serve 3 to 6 months in prison, but given credit for 229 days he spent in prison awaiting resolution of this case. After his release, he will spend another two years on probation and serve 50 hours of community service.

During the sentencing hearing, Ernst issued a brief apology saying he was “sorry for my actions.”

Ernst’s defense attorney Patrick Casey said during the process of working on the case, his client was evaluated by mental health professionals who identified “a number of issues (for Ernst) to work on.”

Ernst, who lived in the city apartment at the time of the incident, now lists an address in Karns City.