A man pleaded guilty Friday to carjacking a woman, striking her with her own car, and speeding away.

Thomas Lee Gessler Jr. was charged with one count each of felonious assault, theft of an automobile and aggravated robbery. Gessler acknowledged he was responsible for the crimes against the victim, Theresa Bobot.

The carjacking happened in March, when Bobot was on her way to pick her grandson up from school. She was driving on Barton Road when she was approached by Gessler, who waving his arms erratically and shouting, "They're going to get me! Call 911!"

Police said Gessler was standing beside Bobot's car and a few moments later he jumped behind the wheel. Bobot opened the car door and Gessler accelerated in reverse, catching her in the door and dragging her across a driveway before he sped off with her car.

Gessler turned himself in to police not long after the crimes.

Judge John Solovan II told Gessler in court, "I know a little bit about you," referring to Gessler's criminal record. Solovan indicated in open court that he knew Gessler may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the incident took place, and asked Gessler if that was the case.

"I need to know the truth about what happened and why it happened so that I can intelligently sentence you," Solovan said.

The felony offenses tally up to a maximum of 11 years in prison. Solovan said the Gessler's is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 30.

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