A now-former San Antonio police officer was charged on Tuesday with two counts of aggravated assault in final week’s capturing of a teen who was consuming a hamburger in his automotive in a McDonald’s car parking zone.
James Brennand, 25, was charged within the October 2 capturing of Erik Cantu, 17, in line with a police assertion.
Mr Cantu’s household mentioned in a press release on Tuesday that “there isn't any enchancment in his situation. He's nonetheless unconscious and is on life help”.
“The final two days have been troublesome, and we anticipate extra problem forward, however we stay hopeful,” the assertion continued.
There isn't a query in anyone’s thoughts that video that the capturing isn't justifiedPolice chief William McManus
Their legal professional, Brian Powers, mentioned it's “an extremely troublesome time for them”.
A rookie officer, Brennand reported the car during which Mr Cantu sat had evaded him the night time earlier than throughout an tried site visitors cease.
Brennand mentioned he suspected the car had been stolen.
In physique digital camera footage launched by police, Brennand opens the automotive door and tells Mr Cantu to get out.
The automotive drives backward, door open, and the officer fires a number of instances into the car. He continues to shoot because the automotive drives away.
Investigators rapidly decided that using lethal pressure was unwarranted, Brennand was swiftly fired, and expenses in opposition to Mr Cantu of aggravated assault and evading arrest have been dropped.
In an look on CNN on Tuesday morning, police chief William McManus had mentioned he anticipated Brennand to be charged with aggravated assault for the capturing and homicide within the occasion Mr Cantu dies.
Mr McManus mentioned Brennand’s physique digital camera video of the October 2 capturing was “horrific”.
“There isn't a query in anyone’s thoughts that video that the capturing isn't justified,” Mr McManus mentioned.
Police officers and the Bexar County District Legal professional’s Workplace didn't instantly return messages from The Related Press. Brennand has no revealed phone quantity and couldn't be reached for remark.
Mr 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 capturing that Mr Cantu was hospitalised in steady situation.
“We’d prefer to appropriate any misrepresentations that Erik is in ‘steady situation’ or he's ‘going to be nice.’ That isn't true. Each breath is a wrestle for Erik. We ask for everybody’s continued prayers for our son,” in line with the household assertion.