The Charlotte father who tried to kill himself and his daughter on Interstate 77 in January 2012 spoke only to Eyewitness News.

"I believe a lot of people think I'm a monster," said Derrick Lamont Summers.

Summers is serving a maximum 11 years at the Lanesboro Correctional Institution for attempted first-degree murder.

Summers said when he faced losing visitation with daughter, Lizziah, last January, he snapped and attempted suicide.

Eyewitness News asked why he took Lizziah with him when he ran onto the interstate.

"I didn't want to leave her alone without me," he said. "I wanted her to be with me."

Summers doesn't remember being hit by a car. Scars cover his face and neck, and he has a metal rod in his left leg.

Lizziah's injuries were far worse and included a broken spine, punctured spleen and liver. She is recovering and still requires a feeding tube in her stomach.

Summers said he is attempting to complete anger management and drug treatment programs in prison.

He hasn't spoken with Lizziah's family.

“I wrote her for the holidays in December. I'm going to try to write her every month if I can," Summers said.

If he ever gets to speak with her, Summers told Eyewitness News, "I'd tell her I love her. I apologize. I never meant to hurt her."

Summers hopes he will be released from prison on good behavior after nine years.