A San Antonio police officer has been fired after capturing a teen who was consuming in a car parking zone exterior of a McDonald’s.
In keeping with The New York Instances on Sunday, the scenario went down when the officer – recognized as James Brennand – responded to an unrelated disturbance name on the quick meals restaurant at round 10:45 p.m. on Sunday, October 2. Captain Alyssa Campos defined in a video assertion:
“Because the officer tried to assemble info from witnesses, he observed a automobile that had evaded him the day earlier than because the officer tried a cease as a result of the registered license plate didn’t match the precise automobile.”
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Believing the automobile was stolen, Campos mentioned Brennand referred to as “for canopy” however nonetheless approached the automotive earlier than different officers arrived on the scene. Stunning physique digicam footage launched by the police division then confirmed him strolling as much as the parked automotive and instantly opening the driving force’s door. {The teenager} – who has been recognized as Erik Cantu – may very well be seen sitting within the driver’s seat consuming a hamburger whereas a 17-year-old lady sat subsequent to him within the passenger’s seat. Within the video, Brennand says to Erik:
“Get out of the automotive.”
Nevertheless, the teenager freaked and reversed with the driving force’s door nonetheless open. That’s when Brennand shot at Erik a number of instances. The gunshots could be heard within the video because the automotive backs away and the door closes. Extra photographs have been then fired whereas the automobile left the car parking zone, and the officer informed others on his radio:
“Pictures fired! Pictures fired!”
Terrible. You possibly can check out the second beneath:
The 2 teenagers have been discovered a block away. The lady was not injured, however Erik was despatched to the hospital in essential situation with a number of gunshot wounds. His lawyer Brian Powers informed The New York Instances:
“He’s nonetheless in essential situation and actually combating for his life each minute of the day. His physique has endured an incredible quantity of trauma.”
In the meantime, the San Antonio Police Division mentioned that Brennand, a probationary officer who had solely been on the power for seven months, was let go for violating the division’s techniques, coaching and procedures. Chief William McManus mentioned:
“The previous Officer’s actions are indefensible and don’t align with our coaching, techniques and procedures. As such, I terminated him. I’ll withhold additional remark as this incident continues to be underneath investigation.”
Following the capturing, police claimed Cantu was charged with evading detention with a automobile and assault on a peace officer. Nevertheless, Joe Gonzales, the district lawyer of Bexar County, mentioned in a information convention on Friday that he had dismissed the case. Police additionally haven’t mentioned whether or not or not the automotive was truly stolen. Whereas Gonzales praised the division for firing Brennand, he famous that the previous cop might face felony costs as soon as investigators are completed reviewing the incident:
“We’ve got different selections now we have to make down the street, which can embrace charging him with a criminal offense.”
We’re protecting Erik in our ideas as he continues to battle for his life proper now.
[Image via San Antonio Police Department]