Fired San Antonio Officer Charged in Shooting of 17-Year-Old at McDonald’s Parking Lot
Ex-San Antonio cop charged with shooting 17-year-old Erik Cantu at McDonald’s parking lot, now released on bond. Cantu remains in critical condition.
Former San Antonio Officer Faces Charges After McDonald’s Parking Lot Shooting of Unarmed Teen
A shocking case has left the community reeling as authorities charged a former San Antonio police
officer with aggravated assault for shooting an unarmed 17-year-old in a McDonald’s parking lot.
The incident occurred on October 2, when Officer James Brennand, responding to a disturbance, fired
multiple shots at Erik Cantu, leaving him critically injured. Brennand, who turned himself in on
Tuesday was released on bond early Wednesday.
Officer James Brennand Charged with Aggravated Assault
The San Antonio Police Department arrested 27-year-old James Brennand and charged him with two counts of aggravated assault by a public servant, setting his bond at $100,000 per charge. The charges stem from the shooting of Erik Cantu, a teen who was sitting in his car in the McDonald’s parking lot. Cantu, who was unarmed, remains on life support with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite his critical condition, his family has expressed hope, noting slight improvements in his oxygen levels.
Bodycam Footage Sparks Outrage
Brennand’s decision to open fire has drawn intense scrutiny, especially after the release of body camera footage showing the moments leading up to the shooting. The footage reveals that Brennand approached the car, opened the driver’s side door, and demanded that the teen exit the vehicle. Startled, Cantu put the car in reverse, attempting to back away. Without further provocation, Brennand opened fire, discharging five rounds into the vehicle. When Cantu tried to drive forward, the officer fired an additional five shots.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus expressed his disappointment, stating that Brennand’s actions were “unjustified both administratively and criminally.” The department has clear policies prohibiting the use of deadly force against moving vehicles unless there is an imminent threat to life, which was not the case in this incident.
Charges and Investigation Ongoing
Authorities may upgrade Brennand’s aggravated assault charges to homicide if Cantu does not survive. Investigators are still working on the case, and Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales dismissed the initial charges against Cantu, stating that the case requires further investigation. The teen had initially faced charges of evading arrest and assaulting an officer, based on Brennand’s claim that the car door struck him as Cantu reversed. However, prosecutors dropped the charges after bodycam footage revealed new evidence.
Chief McManus acknowledged that Brennand’s actions do not reflect department policies or training. The incident has sparked outrage and discussions about police accountability, especially in cases involving excessive force.
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“We are committed to ensuring justice is served,” McManus said, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the ongoing investigation.
