The Loveland Daily Reporter-Herald reports that 34-year-old Adam Fulford addressed the Fort Collins court before a judge accepted the plea deal with the stipulated sentence Thursday.

Fulford apologized to Tara Hildebrand. She and her two children were injured when authorities say Fulford struck their vehicle during a high-speed police chase.

Fulford says he was convinced officers would use deadly force, so he ran and hid. He says he covered himself with mud and rocks during the overnight search, and police came within feet of him.

Hildebrand also spoke and criticized the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office for continuing the pursuit despite knowing Fulford’s address.