James Brennand

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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

James Brennand booking photo
James Brennand
Brennand's Body-Worn Camera Footage
San Antonio Police Department: Critical Incident Video
DA press conference announcing charges

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]

LEO Ratings

Public Comments

References