A man claiming to have a “portal to Hell’’ is under arrest after reportedly shooting at Walker County sheriff’s deputies.

Deputies responded Thursday afternoon to Lost Creek Road near Carbon Hill on a welfare check after family members of a man feared he could harm himself or someone else. The man claimed to have a “portal to hell,’’ said Walker County sheriff’s spokesman T.J. Armstrong.

When deputies arrived on the scene, authorities said, Anthony Mitchell pulled a handgun and fired on them. Deputies did not return fire.

The suspect then fled into a wooded area, Armstrong said. SWAT officers, Alabama Department of Corrections tracking dogs and a helicopter were deployed to the scene.

The suspect was found hiding in a metal out building. Officers used a flash bang – a distraction device – to make entry into the building.

Smith was taken into custody. Authorities said he had covered himself in black spray paint.

He is charged with attempted murder for firing on lawmen.