Former San Antonio police officer who shot unarmed teen in a McDonald’s parking lot has been indicted for attempted murder, prosecutor says

By Ashley Killough, CNN
Updated 9:46 PM EST, Thu December 1, 2022

Teen eating meal in McDonald's parking lot shot by officer, video shows
03:57 - Source: CNN

CNN
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A former San Antonio police officer has been indicted on attempted murder and assault charges after he shot an unarmed 17-year-old in a McDonald’s parking lot in October, prosecutors announced Thursday.

A grand jury handed down the indictment for James Brennand, who was a San Antonio Police probationary officer with seven months of experience when the shooting took place. He is charged with one count of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales told reporters.

“Justice means making sure that man never works as a member of law enforcement, making sure that that man never has a gun and a badge,” Gonzales said.

Erik Cantu was eating a meal in his car outside a McDonald’s on October 2 when Brennand approached the vehicle, thinking it was a car that had previously evaded him, according to police. Body camera footage shows Brennand opened the door, and a visibly startled Cantu backed up and started to drive away with another passenger inside. Brennand fired his weapon 10 times at the car.

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