SANDPOINT - A Washington man who was nearly shot by Bonner County sheriff's deputies after they cornered him could steer clear of a lengthy prison term.

First District Judge Barbara Buchanan ordered Thomas David Gillock on Tuesday to serve as many as five years in prison, but retained jurisdiction in the case. That means Gillock will serve as much as a year in prison before a decision is made to put him on probation or order him to serve the underlying prison term.

Sheriff's Deputy Thomas Cimbalik and Reserve Deputy Keith Trout encountered Gillock in a pickup truck near the intersection of Spirit Lake Cutoff and Dufort roads on Feb. 21. Gillock was wanted on a warrant.

Gillock, 22, of Newport, fled the deputies at a high rate of speed, but was tracked to a private road off Dufort, according to court documents. The deputies converged on the pickup Gillock was driving with weapons drawn and ordered him raise his hands.

Gillock, the affidavit said, started the rig and put it into gear, prompting Cimbalik to warn Gillock that he would be shot if he drove at them. Gillock allegedly accelerated toward the deputies and Cimbalik to begin squeezing the trigger of his pistol.

Gillock became stuck in a snow bank and the truck stalled, the affidavit said. Gillock continued to ignore the deputies' commands and he was ultimately subdued with a Taser.

Gillock was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated assault on a law officer and grand theft by possession because the truck he was in was reported stolen.

Gillock pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and the two remaining counts were dismissed in exchange for the plea, court records indicate.