‘Long road to recovery’ as teen shot by S.A. cop returns home
Erik Cantu, the 17-yearold who was shot by a since-fired San Antonio police officer, has been discharged from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home.
“Our family’s prayers have been answered, and we are incredibly grateful that our son Erik is home with us,” his parents said in a statement. “Erik still has a long road to recovery ahead of him, but we are overjoyed at his progress in the past two weeks.”
Cantu was shot multiple times on Oct. 2 at a Mcdonald’s parking by police officer James Brennand, who was later fired and arrested in connection with his actions. At about 10:45 p.m. that day, Brennand appoached Cantu’s car, which the officer recognized as one that eluded him during an attempted traffic stop the night before. Brennand abruptly opened the car’s driver-side door and demanded that Cantu get out, prompting the teenager to drive away as Brennand shot at him.
Cantu was found nearby with gunshot wounds and taken to University Hospital, where he remained for weeks.
Members of Cantu’s family have regularly given updates on the teen’s condition since the shooting, reporting earlier this month that he was awake and alert after being taken off a ventilator.
A few weeks after the shooting, the family hired noted civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Brennand has since been charged with two counts of aggravated assault by a public servant, a first-degree felony. He was released from Bexar County jail after posting a bond and is awaiting a court date.