TAMPA, FL – Francisco Cabrera, 28, of Dover, Florida, has pleaded guilty to a spree of violent crimes that culminated in a brazen shootout with federal and local law enforcement on Interstate-4. Cabrera faces a minimum of 28 years in federal prison, potentially life, after admitting to three counts of armed robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
The crime wave began between January 13th and 17th, 2022, with Cabrera targeting businesses in Plant City and Brandon. According to the Department of Justice, Cabrera didn’t just rob these establishments – he terrorized the employees. Witnesses reported Cabrera brandishing a pistol, at times ejecting the magazine to display bullets, and threatening victims with direct statements like, “this is for real” or “give me the money or I will shoot you.” The brazenness escalated on January 19th when Cabrera returned to a previously robbed gas station and carjacked an individual at gunpoint.
The situation spiraled into a full-blown crisis when Cabrera, still in the stolen truck, brandished his weapon at bystanders who attempted to intervene and help the carjacking victim. Detectives from the Lakeland Police Department (LPD) and special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) quickly zeroed in on Cabrera in Plant City. A pursuit ensued, Cabrera fleeing onto the eastbound I-4 on-ramp toward Lakeland, and immediately escalating the danger. As he entered the highway, Cabrera extended his hand, firearm in hand, and opened fire on pursuing officers.
The chase became a terrifying high-speed run, Cabrera reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph while weaving through midday traffic. He crashed into a concrete median, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision. Undeterred, Cabrera continued to fire upon law enforcement, striking their vehicles multiple times. Facing an imminent threat to life, an ATF special agent discharged their weapon, striking Cabrera twice in the lower back. Only then, after Cabrera was neutralized as an active shooter, did officers from LPD and ATF move in to secure the scene and provide immediate medical aid.
Cabrera was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being taken into custody. The case, investigated jointly by the ATF and LPD, highlights the increasing dangers faced by law enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes is prosecuting the case, which is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaborative efforts between law enforcement and communities.
The Department of Justice touts PSN’s principles of fostering trust, supporting community organizations, prioritizing enforcement, and measuring results. But for the victims of Cabrera’s crimes, and the officers who risked their lives, the focus remains on accountability. A sentencing date for Cabrera has not yet been set, but with a potential life sentence on the table, the gravity of his actions is undeniable. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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