A former San Antonio, Texas, police officer was charged Thursday with two counts of aggravated assault by a peace officer in final week’s shooting of a teen who was eating a hamburger in his automobile in a McDonald’s parking lot.
James Brennand, 25, who was fired after the shooting, was charged in the Oct. 2 shooting of Erik Cantu, 17, in response to a police assertion.
Cantu’s household mentioned in a press release Tuesday that there was no enchancment in his situation. “He continues to be unconscious and is on life assist,” the assertion mentioned. “The final two days have been tough, and we anticipate extra problem forward, however we stay hopeful.”
Brian Powers, the household’s lawyer, mentioned it’s “an extremely tough time for them.”
Brennand, a rookie officer, reported that the automobile in which Cantu sat had evaded him the night time earlier than throughout an tried visitors cease. Brennand mentioned he suspected the automobile had been stolen.
In physique digital camera footage launched by police, Brennand opens the automobile door and tells Cantu to get out. The automobile drives backward, door open, and the officer fires a number of instances into the automobile. He continues to shoot because the automobile drives away.
Charges towards teen dropped
Investigators rapidly decided that the use of lethal drive was unwarranted, Brennand was swiftly fired, and costs towards Cantu of aggravated assault and evading arrest had been dropped.
In an look on CNN Tuesday morning, San Antonio police chief William McManus mentioned he anticipated Brennand to be charged with aggravated assault for the shooting, or assassination ought to Cantu die.
McManus didn’t clarify the explanation for his expectations however mentioned Brennand’s physique digital camera video of the Oct. 2 shooting was “horrific.”
“There is not any query in anyone’s thoughts taking a look at that video that the shooting just isn’t justified,” McManus mentioned.
Police officers and the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office didn’t instantly return messages from The Associated Press. Brennand, who has no printed phone quantity, couldn’t be reached for remark.
According to his household’s assertion, Cantu’s situation is in stark distinction to that offered earlier by police officers. In the wake of the shooting, police mentioned Cantu was hospitalized and in steady situation.
“We’d wish to right any misrepresentations that Erik is in ‘steady situation’ or he’s ‘going to be tremendous.’ That just isn’t true. Every breath is a battle for Erik. We ask for everybody’s continued prayers for our son,” learn the household’s assertion.