Ex-cop James Brennand who shot Erik Cantu handcuffed his badly wounded arms as he struggled to breathe
Warning: This content contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers' discretion is advised.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: James Brennand, the 25-year-old cop who shot 17-year-old Erik Cantu, slapped the victim's heavily wounded arms with a handcuff while the teen was on the pavement struggling to breathe, said a report.
The 17-year-old girl who was in the front passenger seat revealed that she feels guilty because it was her decision to eat at McDonalds that night, according to Daily Mail. The duo has been dating for a while, and she also claimed that Cantu wanted to dine inside. However, she persuaded him to go out and eat in the drive-through.
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Meanwhile, she also revealed she was miraculously saved by not getting with the barrage of 10 bullets fired by the cop and was also asked to turn around as the cop fired at him. The girl explains that after the duo picked up the order, they used the drive-through to comfortably grab their dinner. However, this is when the cops suspected that the car could be stolen. Though police confirmed Cantu's car had a license plate registered to a different vehicle, Brennand aggressively asked Cantu to get out of the car. The duo was confused and fearful about the cop's order. However, Cantu then tried to reverse the car and this is when Brennand started firing at him.
Cantu then drove the car ahead and Brennand continued to fire. However, Cantu then stopped the car a block away. The girl then helped him unfasten the seatbelt; Cantu held his shot arm but later realized she had been shot in different organs. The girl then saw blood coming out of his stomach and called out for help. One of the sources close to Daily Mail revealed, "He was crying 'help' and telling her to 'call an ambulance." Another source stated, "He thought it was just his arm." Later, the officer found the duo and asked the girl to turn around. Meanwhile, Brennand slapped handcuffs on Cantu after he opened fire and while the teen was gasping for air. He was put on a handcuff from behind.
The footage of handcuffing is not yet released by police officers. Brennand has been fired from the police service. Though he appeared in front of the police on Tuesday, October 11, he was released on Wednesday, October 12 on a $100,000 bond. Cantu's family attorney, Brian Powers stated Cantu is still in the hospital with full life support. Further, he said, "Erik and our family would like to thank all of our family, friends, the great city of San Antonio and everyone around the world that has sent their heartfelt prayers and blessings."
Then it said,"'Erik is still in critical condition and is closely monitored. Surgeries were performed to repair injures to a few major organs as a result of the penetration of multiple bullets. Erik is currently on a life support system that is keeping his lungs operating and remains on a vast amount of sedatives to hopefully ease the discomfort and pain." Furthermore, it added, "He has a great medical staff that has been working diligently around the clock to provide him great care. Erik is struggling and we know that recovery will not be easy for him. Every moment is critical and the uncertainly is quite painful. We ask that everyone please keep Erik in your thoughts and prayers."