James Brennand
Service Record
San Antonio Texas Police Department
| Rank | Officer |
| Dates of Service | Approximately March, 2022 - October 5, 2022.[1] |
| Last Known Status | Terminated[1] |
Incident Reports
2022 Shooting of Erik Cantu
On October 1, 2022, Brennand attempted to stop a vehicle for an incorrect license plate, but it evaded him.[2][3][4]
On October 2, 2022, Brennand was responding to a reported disturbance at a restaurant. Brennand recognized the vehicle from the earlier evasion in the parking lot. Brennand approached the vehicle and opened the driver's door. Cantu put the car in reverse and backed away, striking Brennand with the door. Brennand fired as Cantu backed up and continued to drive away.[1]
The incident was captured by Brennand's body-worn camera.[5]
Cantu was hit several times and was treated at the hospital. Cantu was charged with evading detention with a vehicle and assault on a peace officer.[1]
Response Timeline
The department investigated. The Police Chief commented that there was no "defense of that's officer's actions" and that the contact "did not justify the shooting".[1]
On October 5, 2022, Brennand was fired for violation of tactics, training, and procedures.[2] As Brennand was in his probationary first year of employment, the termination cannot be appealed.[1]
On October 5, 2022, the department released the body-worn camera footage[5] and a Critical Incident video.[2]
On October 7, 2022, the District Attorney dropped the charges against Cantu.[6]
On October 11, 2022, Brennand was charged with two counts of aggravated assault by public servant.[7]
On December 1, 2022, Brennand was indicted by a grand jury with attempted murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a public servant.[8] Brennand faces five years to life in prison for aggravated assault, and 2-20 years in prison for attempted murder.[9]
On February 27, 2024, Brennand was reindicted with two counts of aggravated assault by a public servant and one count of deadly conduct - firearm. The attempted murder charges were not included.[10]
On April 12, 2024, Cantu and his passenger sued Brennand and the city for the use of excessive deadly force, unlawful seizure and detention, and other claims.[11]
LEO Ratings
Public Comments
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 San Antonio Police officer fired after shooting suspect trying to drive off at McDonald's, News4SA, 2022-10-05
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 San Antonio Police Department: Critical Incident Video, San Antonio Police Department, 2022-10-05
- ↑ Sye Bennefield Jr., VIDEO: San Antonio police officer fired after shooting at Northside McDonald's, MySanAntonio, 2022-10-05
- ↑ Records show Erik Cantu evaded same San Antonio police officer he was shot by the night before, KTSA, 2022-10-31
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 RAW | San Antonio Police Department: Critical Incident Video Release, San Antonio Police Department, 2022-10-05
- ↑ Priscilla Aguirre, Bexar County DA rejects charges against teen shot by former SAPD officer, My San Antonio, 2022-10-07
- ↑ Phil Helsel, Former San Antonio officer who shot teen in McDonald’s parking lot is arrested, NBC News, 2022-10-11
- ↑ Former SAPD officer indicted after shooting of unarmed San Antonio teen Erik Cantu, KENS, 2022-12-01
- ↑ Erica Hernandez, Attorneys update judge about case involving former SAPD officer who shot teen outside McDonald’s, KSAT, '2023-06-09
- ↑ Dillon Collier, Ex-SAPD officer Brennand no longer facing attempted murder charge after reindictment, KSAT, 2024-03-07
- ↑ Julie Moreno, Erik Cantu, Emily Proulx file civil lawsuit against James Brennand, San Antonio over 2022 McDonald’s shooting, KSAT, 2024-04-15
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