A Texas police officer who shot and wounded a youngster who had been sitting in his automotive consuming a hamburger has been fired, police stated.
San Antonio Officer James Brennand was fired after capturing Erik Cantu, 17, on October 2 in a quick meals restaurant car parking zone, police coaching commander Alyssa Campos stated in a video assertion.
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 stated.
A Texas prosecutor stated in an announcement on Friday that he has not seen sufficient proof to file fees in opposition to the teenager.
“Whereas Sunday’s capturing of an unarmed teenager by a then-San Antonio Police officer stays below investigation, the info and proof we've got acquired to date led us to reject the fees in opposition to Erik Cantu for additional investigation," Bexar County District Legal professional Joe Gonzales stated.
Brennand, who had been on the pressure for lower than one yr, violated his coaching and police procedures after approaching the automotive, Campos stated.
“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 stated.
Cantu, within the officer’s physique digital camera video, appears towards Brennand whereas holding a hamburger, then backs the automotive away, placing the officer with the open door.
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, have 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 capturing.”
Cantu was hospitalised in secure situation and initially charged with evading police and aggravated assault.
Gonzales, the district legal professional, stated no choice had been made on whether or not to pursue fees in opposition to Brennand, pending the result of a police investigation into the capturing.
“As we do with all officer-involved shootings that lead to loss of life or critical 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 stated.
Police and an legal professional for Cantu didn't instantly return cellphone requires touch upon Friday.
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