"I asked him a couple of questions, and the next thing I know I saw a gun come from his back, and when I turned to take cover I didn't even hear the shots. I just saw a flash," said Brown.
The bullet went under his vest and hit Brown in the lower back. It left him with partial paralysis and numbness, but doctors said he's lucky to still walk at all.
"Basically, it was a miracle the way the bullet went in, because they said I had a better chance getting struck by lightning then the path the bullet took," said Brown.
Local and federal authorities launched a massive, international search for Flavio Cerecedo. He was finally arrested in Mexico last weekend.
"At first I was very happy, and then you know... just when you're starting to get over something, you know its going to be brought back now, you know we've got a trial to go through," said Brown.
While Cerecedo is already in custody, because of the extradition process, it could take several months or even years to bring him back to Rocky Mount.
"But the bottom line is, we know he's coming back to the United States," said Rocky Mount Police Chief John Manley. "He will be prosecuted to the fullest."
Brown's injuries ended his career as an officer, but he's grateful to still be here for his wife and two young children. And he's moving forward.
"Maybe I'd like to go into teaching law enforcement," he said. "You know, I have a lot to give. You just take it one day at a time and you know the Lord looks out for you."
The Brown family said they are thankful for all the support of fellow officers and the entire community.
Cerecedo is charged with attempted murder and unlawful flight. He remains in jail in Mexico awaiting extradition.
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