Gastonia police are investigating how a man obtained a homemade .22-caliber gun that's disguised as a pen.

"This is the first time in my career that I've actually laid hands on such a type of weapon," said Sgt. Jamey Blalock. "It's just a little bit bigger circumference-wise than a normal, standard writing pen."

Blalock went to the Arbors apartments Tuesday night because a resident thought Timothy Tilson and some friends were doing drugs.

Blalock said Tilson gave officers permission to come inside his apartment, and that's when they saw the pen-gun, sitting on an end table.

SLIDESHOW: Police find homemade "pen gun"

"It did surprise me. It's a well-made weapon. It's a well-made firearm," he said.

Eyewitness News went to Tilson's apartment Thursday night to try and talk to him, but he didn't answer the door.

Neighbors were shocked when they saw pictures of the pen-gun. Police believe it was a functioning weapon.

"It makes me feel scared, especially with a daughter. It's not something you want to hear ever," said neighbor Ryan Holzlohner.

Gastonia police charged Tilson with felony possession of a firearm.

Tilson isn't telling police if he made the gun himself or purchased it. Detectives are working to learn that information and follow up on the investigation.

Detectives found what they believe to be "bath salts" in Tilson's apartment, but they're waiting for the test results before filing any drug charges.

Tilson was convicted of a felony drug charge 15 years ago.