CLEVELAND -- Last week, NewsChannel5 reported that Indians infielder Jolbert Cabrera was involved in an apparent carjacking in Colombia a few weeks ago that left him shot in the backside.

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Cabrera Speaks

Cabrera (pictured, left) shared his thoughts Wednesday with NewsChannel5's Chris Miller.

Cabrera described the scene on Dec. 21 like this: He was stopped at a red light, and two gunmen approached the vehicle. One of them pointed a gun at his wife's face as she sat in the front seat. Cabrera was sitting in the back seat with both of his daughters. He got out of the car, pulled his kids and wife out of the car, and everything seemed safe. But then he realized that he was shot in the backside. Within seconds, he said that he saw his life pass in front of his eyes.

Ironically, Cabrera was traveling to the hospital to see his ailing brother-in-law at the time of the attempted carjacking.

Weeks have passed, but the stinging fact of what could of happened rings loudly in Cabrera's voice, Miller said.

"I'm thanking God, because nothing really serious happened," he said. "My wife is OK, my girls are OK."

Cabrera still has swelling on his right side. Although the physical pain will eventually subside, emotionally trying to explain what happened to his daughters will be a difficult process, Cabrera said.

"You're here right now, but you can be gone like this," he said, snapping his fingers.

Now when traveling with family, Cabrera will be escorted by bodyguards provided by the Colombian government.

Cabrera expects to be about 80 percent once spring training rolls around.

The Indians report to Winterhaven, Fla., for training on Feb. 21.