The forklift got stuck in a gated area, and, once that happened, Leingang fled and was apprehended by Mandan police, according to Sasse Russell. She said Leingang later admitted his plan to Mandan detectives, as well as a member of United States Secret Service.

"He was suffering a serious psychiatric crisis during this incident," Michelle Monteiro, Leingang's public defender, said in court.

Prior to stealing the forklift, Leingang set two fires that morning at the Bismarck Municipal Ballpark maintenance shop and the state parole and probation office, Monteiro said.

Leingang pleaded guilty to setting the fires and was sentenced to 10 years in state prison. He also pleaded guilty to stealing the forklift and was sentenced to five years, and, pleaded guilty to burglary in a separate case and received another five years. Leingang's estimated release date is 2038.

Leingang told U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland on Friday that he is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and bipolar disorder, and he has been on and off medications since he was 12 years old.

Leingang is seeing a psychiatrist and therapist while in prison and is doing well now, Monteiro said.