San Antonio Police officer fired after shooting suspect trying to drive off at McDonald's
SAN ANTONIO - A San Antonio Police officer still in his probationary period was fired Wednesday after an investigation into an officer-involved shooting on Sunday.
The shooting happened just before 10:30 p.m. at the McDonald's off Blanco Road and West Avenue.
Police said this started after officerJames Brennand spotted a suspect he believed had been involved in a disturbance the night before. When Brennand tried to arrest the driver, who was in the parking lot eating a hamburger, the suspect put the car into reverse and aggressively drove off with the door still open, hitting the officer with his car door in the process.
The officer then fired several shots, hitting the suspect multiple times as he drove away.
The suspect, later identified as Eric Cantu, 17, and his 17-year-old female passenger stopped down the street. Cantu was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He is listed in stable condition. He was later charged with evading detention with a vehicle and assault on a peace officer.
Brennand was hit in the legs with the car and was treated at the scene. He had been on the force for seven months. Following an internal review, Brennand's employment with San Antonio Police Department was terminated, according to department officials. Brennand could also face criminal charges, according to Chief William McManus.
"There is nothing I can say in defense of that officer's actions that night," McManus told News 4 San Antonio.
McManus said even though the officer was clipped by the car door, he should not have opened fire.
"I think what happened, initially, there was some contact made, but that did not justify the shooting," McManus said.
According to SAPD guidelines,Officers are on probation for one year after graduating from the police academy, during which they cannot appeal their firing.
