A police officer, who has since been fired, faces criminal charges after shooting a teenager who was eating a burger in his car, according to WOAI-TV.
• Read also: United States: the shooter accused of having killed five in North Carolina is 15 years old
• Read also: Five people killed in North Carolina, the shooter arrested
The San Antonio, Texas Police Department released body camera footage of the incident on Oct. 2.
At approximately 10:45 p.m. that evening, a police officer, identified as James Brennand, was called to a McDonald’s restaurant due to a “disturbance”.
While speaking with witnesses concerning this “disturbance”, he would have noticed a vehicle which had escaped him the day before during a roadside check. Mr. Brennand believed the car had been stolen.
Four other police arrived as reinforcements. The police officer allegedly opened one of the vehicle’s doors and ordered the driver to get out. This one happens to be 17-year-old Erik Cantu, who was eating a burger, according to body camera footage.
The teenager then put the car in reverse with the driver’s side door open, hitting James Brennand in the process.
It was at this time that Mr. Brennand allegedly shot at Erik Cantu’s car.
Officers reportedly found Cantu’s car a block away, but neither he nor his 17-year-old passenger was inside.
The teen was initially charged with escape with a vehicle and aggravated assault. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales, however, announced he was dropping charges against Cantu.
According to WOAI-TV, Mr. Brennand was arrested on Tuesday, October 11. He was charged with aggravated assault and was released on bail on October 12.