A Texas police officer who shot and wounded an adolescent who had been sitting in his automotive consuming a hamburger has been fired, police mentioned.
San Antonio Officer James Brennand was fired after taking pictures Erik Cantu, 17, on Oct. 2 in a quick meals restaurant car parking zone, police coaching commander Alyssa Campos mentioned in a video statement launched Wednesday.
Brennand had responded to an unrelated disturbance on the fast-food restaurant when he noticed the Cantu contained in the automotive, which had evaded him a day earlier, Campos mentioned.
A Texas prosecutor mentioned in a press release Friday that he has not seen sufficient proof to file fees towards {the teenager}.
“Whereas Sunday’s taking pictures of an unarmed teenager by a then-San Antonio Police officer stays beneath investigation, the info and proof we’ve acquired to date led us to reject the costs towards Erik Cantu for additional investigation,” Bexar County District Legal professional Joe Gonzales mentioned.
Brennand, who had been on the power for lower than one 12 months, violated his coaching and police procedures after approaching the automotive, Campos mentioned.
“The officer abruptly opened the motive force’s door and ordered the motive force out of the automotive” earlier than the arrival of backup officers that Brennand had requested, Campos mentioned.
Brennand then opened hearth a number of occasions because the door closed and Cantu drove away.
Cantu, who was struck by gunfire, stopped close by the place he and a passenger, who was not injured, had been discovered by police.
“There may be nothing I can say in protection of that officer’s actions that evening,” Police Chief William McManus advised WOAI-TV. “I believe what occurred, initially, there was some contact made, however that didn’t justify the taking pictures.”
Cantu was hospitalized in secure situation and initially charged with evading police and aggravated assault.
Gonzales, the district lawyer, mentioned no determination had been made on whether or not to pursue fees towards Brennand, pending the end result of a police investigation into the taking pictures.
“As we do with all officer-involved shootings that lead to loss of life or critical harm, we are going to submit the case to a Grand Jury for his or her consideration. Till that occurs, we will make no additional touch upon this matter,” Gonzales mentioned.
Police and an lawyer for Cantu didn’t instantly return cellphone requires touch upon Friday.
