SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A now-former San Antonio police officer was charged Tuesday with two counts of aggravated assault by a peace officer in final week’s taking pictures of a teen who was consuming a hamburger in his automotive in a McDonald’s parking zone.
James Brennand, 25, was charged within the Oct. 2 taking pictures of Erik Cantu, 17, in accordance with a police assertion.
Cantu’s household stated in an announcement Tuesday that “there isn’t any enchancment in his situation. He’s nonetheless unconscious and is on life assist. The final two days have been tough, and we count on extra issue forward, however we stay hopeful.”
Their lawyer, Brian Powers, stated it’s “an extremely tough time for them.”
A rookie officer, Brennand reported the automobile during which Cantu sat had evaded him the night time earlier than throughout an tried site visitors cease. Brennand stated he suspected the automobile had been stolen.
In physique digicam footage launched by police, Brennand opens the automotive door and tells Cantu to get out. The automotive drives backward, door open, and the officer fires a number of occasions into the automobile. He continues to shoot because the automotive drives away.
Investigators rapidly decided that the usage of lethal drive was unwarranted, Brennand was swiftly fired, and fees in opposition to Cantu of aggravated assault and evading arrest have been dropped.
In an look on CNN Tuesday morning, Police Chief William McManus had stated he anticipated Brennand to be charged with aggravated assault for the taking pictures and homicide within the occasion Cantu dies.
McManus stated Brennand’s physique digicam video of the Oct. 2 taking pictures was “horrific.”
“There isn’t any query in anyone’s thoughts taking a look at that video that the taking pictures isn’t justified,” McManus stated.
Police officers and the Bexar County District Lawyer’s Workplace didn’t instantly return messages from The Related Press. Brennand has no printed phone quantity and couldn’t be reached for remark.
Cantu’s situation, as associated in his household’s assertion, is in stark distinction to that supplied by police officers within the wake of the taking pictures that Cantu was hospitalized in secure situation.
“We’d wish to appropriate any misrepresentations that Erik is in ‘secure situation’ or he’s ‘going to be fantastic.’ That’s not true. Each breath is a battle for Erik. We ask for everybody’s continued prayers for our son,” in accordance with the household assertion.