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Florida man sentenced years after firing gunshots at federal agents, police on I-4 chase

The Lakeland Police Department and other state officials said 29-year-old Francisco Cabrera will spend 38 years in federal prison.

LAKELAND, Fla. — A Florida man who shot at federal agents and police while leading them on a chase on I-4 back in 2022 will spend 38 years in federal prison.

In a press conference, the Lakeland Police Department and other state officials announced that 29-year-old Francisco Cabrera was sentenced after he "engaged in a terrible crime spree" over a period of six days, including three armed robberies, a carjacking and the attempted murders of police officers and federal agents during the 11-mile chase on I-4. 

Between Jan. 13 and Jan. 17, 2022, Cabrera robbed two smoke shops and one gas station in the Tampa Bay area.  Law enforcement said in each robbery, Cabrera allegedly showed victims a loaded magazine, inserted it in his pistol and pointed the gun at the victims.

Days later on Jan. 19, an indictment said Cabrera approached another victim at a gas station and carjacked him at gunpoint. That same day, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents and Lakeland Police Department officers found Cabrera and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.

RELATED: Man accused of shooting at ATF agents during high-speed chase on I-4

That's when Cabrera sped off, reportedly traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles an hour, putting many people in danger, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Roger Handberg said Tuesday.

"He nearly crashed into a truck," Handberg said. "He drove through red lights and into oncoming traffic, causing vehicles to take evasive actions. And, he almost hit several other vehicles."

All the while, Cabrera reportedly fired 8 to 15 gunshots at seven different police officers. At one point, the 29-year-old even attempted to fire at two officers in front of him as they tried to set up stopsticks.

"He drove straight at them, pulling his gun out of the window and firing at them, striking the hood of one of their vehicles," Handberg said.

An ATF agent was able to stop Cabrera after shooting him twice in the lower back. After being treated, he was taken into custody.

RELATED: Accused armed robber gets into chase and shootout with cops in Lakeland, sheriff says

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