A former San Antonio police officer who shot a young person in a McDonald’s car parking zone in October was indicted on assault and tried homicide prices, prosecutors mentioned Thursday.
The previous officer, James Brennand, was fired by the police division two days after the Oct. 2 capturing of Erik Cantu, and the police chief known as his actions “indefensible.”
Brennand is charged with two counts of aggravated assault by a public servant and one depend of tried homicide, Bexar County District Legal professional Joe Gonzales mentioned.
“Nobody is above the regulation. That features members of regulation enforcement after they abuse their authority,” Gonzales mentioned at a information convention.
Of the costs, the aggravated assault counts are essentially the most severe and carry as much as life in jail if convicted.
Brennand allegedly shot Cantu, 17, after he ordered {the teenager}, who was consuming a hamburger, out of a automobile. Cantu put the automotive into reverse with the door open and backed up, in response to officers and physique digicam video.
Police have mentioned Brennand was struck by the door. Brennand made a sound as if he had been struck, after which opened fireplace into the automotive, and likewise shot because it drove away, physique digicam video exhibits.
Brennand approached Cantu’s automotive as a result of he believed it had evaded him the day earlier than when he tried to conduct a site visitors cease, and he thought it could have been stolen, police have mentioned.
Though the automotive’s registration plates didn’t match the automobile, the automotive was not stolen, in response to police. The boy’s household has mentioned it was their automotive.
An e mail to the regulation agency of an legal professional listed as representing Brennand was not instantly returned Thursday evening.
One in all Brennand’s attorneys, Nico LaHood, mentioned Thursday that there was an preliminary “rush to judgement angle,” and that they anticipate extra info to be revealed on the incident, The Related Press reported.
Brennand was arrested in October on two counts of aggravated assault by public servant. On Thursday, a grand jury returned its indictment in opposition to him.
Cantu had severe accidents and spent virtually two months within the hospital. He was launched late final month and has a protracted restoration forward, his household has mentioned.
Brennand had been on the drive for seven months earlier than the capturing, and was nonetheless on a regular one-year probation interval after graduating from the academy, officers have mentioned.
Civil rights legal professional Ben Crump, who’s representing the Cantu household, mentioned Thursday’s indictment was a big step towards justice.
“At this time’s announcement is a reduction for Erik, his household, and everybody supporting them via this tragedy,” Crump mentioned.
The Related Press contributed.
