Texas officer fired after shooting hamburger-eating teenager

A Texas police officer who shot and wounded a teen who had been sitting in his automobile 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 assertion launched Wednesday.

Brennand had responded to an unrelated disturbance on the fast-food restaurant when he noticed the Cantu contained in the automobile, 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 expenses towards {the teenager}.

“Whereas Sunday’s taking pictures of an unarmed teenager by a then-San Antonio Police officer stays below investigation, the info and proof we have now acquired up to now led us to reject the fees towards Erik Cantu for additional investigation,” Bexar County District Lawyer Joe Gonzales mentioned.

Brennand, who had been on the pressure for lower than one yr, violated his coaching and police procedures after approaching the automobile, Campos mentioned.

“The officer abruptly opened the motive force’s door and ordered the motive force out of the automobile” earlier than the arrival of backup officers that Brennand had requested, Campos mentioned.

Cantu, within the officer’s physique digital camera video, seems to be towards Brennand whereas holding a hamburger, then backs the automobile away, hanging the officer with the open door.

Brennand then opened fireplace 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’s 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 legal professional, mentioned no choice had been made on whether or not to pursue expenses towards Brennand, pending the result of a police investigation into the taking pictures.

“As we do with all officer-involved shootings that end in dying or severe damage, 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 legal professional for Cantu didn’t instantly return telephone requires touch upon Friday.