The officer shot a 17-year-old suspect several times after abruptly confronting him in the parking lot
A US police officer has been fired after unleashing a hail of bullets on a teenage driver who did not follow an order, with dramatic bodycam footage showing him firing a total of 10 rounds into the vehicle, seriously injuring the teen.
The police department in San Antonio, Texas announced the decision on Friday, noting that officer James Brennand – who had only been on the force for seven months and was still on a probationary period – would no longer be employed with the city.
“The former Officer’s actions are indefensible and do not align with our training, tactics and procedures,” Chief William McManus said, adding, “As such, I terminated him. I will withhold further comment as this incident is still under investigation.”
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While responding to an unrelated disturbance call at a local McDonald’s last Sunday, Brennand said he spotted a vehicle which evaded police the day prior. Though he called for backup, the officer did not wait to approach the vehicle of the 17-year-old suspect – since identified as Erik Cantu – opening his car door and ordering him to get out.
However, as seen in body camera footage released by the San Antonio PD, the noticeably startled teen did not immediately comply, instead asking “Why?” before the officer lunged toward the car. Within a matter of seconds, the vehicle appears to roll backwards several feet, at which point Brennand drew his service pistol and fired off 10 rounds.
Chewing a burger without a burger chewing license? Death penalty. pic.twitter.com/LD7DHnJumA