TAMPA, FL – A Brandon man with a lengthy criminal history is headed to federal prison after a terrifying road rage incident escalated into a shooting, endangering two innocent bystanders. James Eugene Smith, 44, of Wimauma, was sentenced to eight years behind bars Friday for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber also ordered Smith to forfeit the weapon used in the attack.
The incident unfolded on January 14, 2023, in the early morning hours on Bloomingdale Avenue. According to court documents, Smith believed he was being “brake checked” by the driver of a black sedan, and another driver was blocking his attempt to pass. Smith responded by aggressively passing both vehicles in the center lane, then returned the favor by brake checking the black sedan. After being passed back, Smith opened fire on the sedan.
But Smith didn’t stop there. In a reckless attempt to identify the black sedan’s license plate, he executed a U-turn, mistakenly targeting a gray sedan instead. He unleashed a volley of gunfire at the gray vehicle, putting the driver and passenger inside in immediate danger. Miraculously, neither victim was hit. The driver of the gray sedan, understandably panicked, sped into a nearby gas station, with Smith in pursuit, continuing to fire his weapon.
Federal prosecutors were quick to point out Smith’s extensive criminal record. As a convicted felon, he was already legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. This wasn’t a first offense, and the judge clearly considered Smith’s history when handing down the eight-year sentence. The case was built by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with significant assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Kenneth successfully prosecuted the case, with forfeiture handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Muench. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” – a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local communities.
The Department of Justice claims the program focuses on building trust, supporting community organizations, and strategically targeting enforcement efforts. But for the victims in this case, and for those who live in neighborhoods plagued by gun violence, the focus is simple: getting dangerous criminals like James Smith off the streets and behind bars. The eight-year sentence, while not a cure-all, sends a clear message that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated.
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