Fired San Antonio officer James Brennand charged for shooting teen Erik Cantu

According to prosecutors, the fired San Antonio officer who shot a 17-year-old driver while they were in a McDonald's parking lot has been charged with attempted murder. A Texas grand jury also indicted 28-year-old rookie police officer James Brennand on two more charges related to the gunshot that injured teen Erik Cantu on October 2 and kept him hospitalized for nearly two months. Additionally, Brennand is shown on body cam video shooting at Cantu as he reverses his vehicle and leaves the parking area after the officer abruptly ordered Brennand to get out of the car. Cantu was devouring a hamburger when Brennand walked up to the car. Furthermore, immediately after being fired, Brennand was charged with two charges of aggravated assault by a public servant in October. One of the aggravated assault counts, according to Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales, is for shooting Cantu, and the other is for firing at a female passenger who was also in the car. In addition, if found guilty, he might spend his life in prison. Also, the shooting of Cantu is charged as attempted murder. [caption id="attachment_68341" align="aligncenter" width="682"] Fired San Antonio cop James Brennand[/caption] Gonzales stated on Thursday, "We know that most officers in this city care deeply about this community, but we cannot have a safe city if the community does not have trust in the criminal justice system." On the other hand, one of Brennand's attorneys said that his client's account of what happened hasn't been properly presented. According to attorney Nico LaHood, there has been an initial "rush to judgment attitude." Former Bexar district attorney LaHood stated, "We anticipate more information will be revealed that will further shed light on this incident."

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Cantu was finally discharged from the hospital last week, just in time for the holidays after a nearly two-month stay, during which he spent time on a ventilator before making progress. Ben Crump, the family's attorney, stated that Cantu and his family were "relieved" to learn of the indictment. "The grand jury’s decision to indict on an attempted murder charge and two counts of aggravated assault is a significant step toward justice — but there is still a long road ahead," Crump said in a statement. "We will continue to fight for accountability and transparency through the legal process.” On another note, the fired San Antonio officer noticed Cantu's vehicle, which he thought had eluded him the day before, while in the fast food restaurant's parking lot for an unrelated call, according to officials. When James Brennand approached the car, which they claim he believed had been stolen, they claim he did so in violation of training and protocol. And despite the fact that the automobile's license plates did not match the vehicle, the car was not stolen, according to authorities.