Rookie San Antonio Officer Fired Over Shooting of Teen Evading Detention

Police said this started after officer James Brennand spotted a suspect he believed might be driving a stolen car, according to a department video release.

A San Antonio Police officer still in his probationary period was fired last week after an investigation into an officer-involved shooting that happened Oct. 2.

The shooting happened just before 10:30 p.m. at a McDonald's.

Police said this started after officer James Brennand spotted a suspect he believed might be driving a stolen car, according to a department video release. He called for backup.

But according to San Antonio PD, he did not wait for arrival of other officers.

Instead, he walked up to the car, opened the door, and ordered the driver out.

The driver is shown backing with the car door open and the San Antonio PD says the door hit the officer.  

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.

Chief William McManus told News 4 San Antonio that even though the officer was clipped by the car door, he should not have opened fire.

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