Cop Arrested For Shooting Teen Who Was Eating At Mcdonald’s Parking Lot

According to authorities, Erik Cantu, 17, was shot and wounded as he ran from a McDonald's parking lot by a former San Antonio police officer.

Following an inquiry into the shooting that took place earlier this month, James Brennand was charged with two counts of aggravated assault by a public official, a felony, according to local sources. On October 4, barely two days after the event, he was fired.

Authorities claim that Cantu was eating a hamburger inside his car when Brennand approached and opened fire as the frightened teen fled earlier this month.

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According to San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus, the former officer turned himself into the authorities.

“Someone questioned our training and our policies and my response was this was a failure for one individual police officer, had nothing to do with our policies,” he said.

Through their attorney, Cantu's family informed Fox News that the young man was on life support since his health was very critical.

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“At this time, there is no improvement in his condition. He is still unconscious and is on life support,” the family said. “The last two days have been difficult and we expect more difficulty ahead, but we remain hopeful.”

“We’d like to correct any misrepresentations that Erik is in ‘stable condition’ or he is ‘going to be fine.’ That is not true. Every breath is a struggle for Erik.”

“We ask for everyone’s continued prayers for our son.” 

If Cantu dies, McManus said, the officer's charges might be changed.

The case would next be presented to a grand jury at the district attorney's office in the area, he said.

According to police training commander Alyssa Campos last Wednesday, Brennand saw Cantu's car while searching the parking lot for a different disturbance when he thought he had avoided it the day before.

After approaching Cantu's car on Oct. 2, Campos claimed that the rookie officer, who had been on the force for less than a year, had breached training and police protocol.

Before backup officers came, he abruptly unlocked the driver's side door and ordered the teenager out of the vehicle, according to Campos.

“With the vehicle door still open, the driver put the vehicle in reverse and attempted to leave. The officer was hit by the open door. The officer then stepped back and opened fire on the vehicle as the driver reversed away from him,” Campos said. 

Before the police discovered them, Cantu and an unharmed passenger stopped nearby.

Cantu was initially charged in relation to the incident, but the district attorney's office in the area swiftly dismissed the case.