FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) – The man accused of stealing a car in Fayetteville with a newborn and 2-year-old inside had been battling demons for years, his ex-wife told CBS North Carolina Wednesday.

Don Wallace, 47, was in court Wednesday on charges including first-degree kidnapping.RELATED: NC man stole car, kidnapping an infant and a toddler, Fayetteville Police say

CBS North Carolina’s Nate Rodgers spoke with Willa Dean Gregory, the mother of the two children and ex-wife of Wallace.

“He was upset and told me he wanted to come downtown and turn himself in,” Gregory said.

That was the last interaction she had with Wallace before Tuesday’s carjacking that happened around 1:06 p.m. at the Pizza Hut located at 3069 Boone Trail Extension when Wallace stole the car with the children inside.Police released a 911 call made by the mother – Click here to listen to the call

Police quickly arrived on scene and arrested Wallace about a mile away along Briar Creek Place. The children were found inside the vehicle unharmed.

Wenesday in court, Wallace told the judge he was drunk and did not know the kids were inside the car.

Gregory said her ex-husband has struggled with drug addiction for several years.

“It has control of him and I want him to heal and I’m glad nobody was hurt,” Gregory said.

Wallace also has an extensive criminal background that dates back to 1992. Previous convictions include stealing a car in 2007 and 2008.

Wallace also served three years in prison for common law robberies.

“I’m truly sorry, I really am. If he would have been in his right state of mind, he would have never ever tried to harm a child,” Gregory said.

Wallace was charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping; breaking and entering of a motor vehicle; larceny of a motor vehicle; possession of a stolen motor vehicle; two counts damage to property; felony flee to elude; driving while license is revoked; reckless driving to endanger persons or property; and speeding.

Wallace remains in custody on a $250,000 secured bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for June.