ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- A Pensacola man arrested following a shots fired incident at Oakwood Terrace Apartments was sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

A judge sentenced 20-year-old James Shoemo III on Wednesday for Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Delinquent Under 24 Years of Age.

The State Attorney's Office says Shoemo previously committed over 20 burglaries and 15 misdemeanor offenses.

“[Shoemo's] criminal conduct has increased in seriousness and poses a danger to our citizens," prosecuting attorney Frederick V. Longmire said. "A maximum punishment of fifteen years in prison is necessary to protect our community."

The shots fired incident at Oakwood Terrace happened on January 23, 2022.

"Escambia County deputies responded to a shots-fired call at Oakwood Terrace Apartments. Once on scene, deputies observed multiple shell casings in and around the apartments," the State Attorney's Office says in a release. "While circulating the area, deputies located the Defendant and two other individuals. Upon seeing deputies, the Defendant fled on foot."

The State Attorney's Office says Shoemo threw a pistol into a wooded area. After conducting a K9 track, deputies located the firearm.

Shoemo was found guilty on Feb. 8.