So much for the zombie defense. A man who lied to police that his reckless driving was a result of fleeing from the walking dead has admitted he made up the colorful story.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that a Tennessee man who stole a big-rig truck and caused several accidents in Temecula now admits he lied that he was being pursued by zombies.

Jerimiah Hartline pleaded guilty Monday to assault with a deadly weapon, hit-and-run causing death or injury, and vehicle theft. He faces up to five years in prison.

The incident occurred April 6 on Interstate 15 near Temecula. The California Highway Patrol said that Hartline stowed away in the truck in Tennessee and stole it when the driver got out. According to the CHP, Hartline sideswiped several vehicles and caused multiple crashes before the semi jackknifed, blocking all four lanes of traffic. The 19-year-old then fled the vehicle and tried to steal a van, but the van's driver detained him until police arrived, cops told Patch. Seven people were injured.

"He was arrested at the crash scene and appeared to be in an altered state, claiming he was being chased by zombies," said CHP patrol officer Nathan Baer right after the accident.

When the real zombie apocalypse happens, we hope we at least receive an official warning first.