Officer James Brennand, a probationary rookie, was fired in October 2022 after he shot 17-year-old Erik Cantu multiple times without justification during a confrontation in a McDonald’s parking lot. Brennand had opened Cantu’s car door and fired his handgun as the unarmed teen tried to drive away, critically injuring Cantu. Police Chief William McManus stated the shooting was unjustified both administratively and criminally, and Brennand was terminated within two days. The former officer was later arrested and indicted on two counts of aggravated assault by a public servant for the incident, and Cantu’s family filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit against Brennand and the city.
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