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A former police officer charged in the shooting of a 17-year-old who was eating in a McDonald's parking lot in San Antonio, in the U.S. state of Texas, was released on bond on Wednesday, authorities said.
James Brennand was arrested on Tuesday night and charged with two counts of aggravated assault by a public servant, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. He was released after posting $100,000 bond for each count.
The victim, identified as Erik Cantu, has been in critical condition after being shot multiple times on October 2 by Brennand, a probationary officer with seven months of experience responding to an unrelated disturbance call at the time. Brennand has since been fired.
Cantu was on life support and non-responsive, Cantu's family said on Tuesday in a statement released to local media outlets.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said on Tuesday that the charges would change if Cantu succumbs to his injuries.
"It was unjustified, both administratively and criminally," McManus told reporters.
The charges and arrest came within hours of a protest held in front of the San Antonio Police Department's headquarters demanding Brennand's arrest on Tuesday. A pre-hearing is set for November 23, according to Bexar County Jail records.
Brennand is the second San Antonio police officer to face criminal charges this year for what was found to be the unjustified use of deadly force.
In February, a Bexar County grand jury indicted former officer Oscar Cruz Jr. on a charge of deadly conduct with a firearm for firing at fleeing juveniles suspected of trying to open car doors. He is free on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to stand trial next month.
The third-degree felony is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Cruz chased the youth on foot in March 2020 when another juvenile threw a rock that hit him in the face. Cruz fired two shots at the fleeing youths, missing them. Cruz was suspended indefinitely and ultimately fired.
(AP)
