After he was eventually discharged from the hospital, the family of a youngster who was left battling for his life after being shot by a San Antonio police officer in a McDonald’s parking lot stated that their prayers had been answered.
Erik Cantu, 17, will be allowed to celebrate Thanksgiving now that he has returned home nearly two months after the event, according to a statement sent by his family on Wednesday.
On October 2, Cantu was shot multiple times by Texas police officer James Brennand as he reversed his vehicle while eating a cheeseburger.
Cantu’s parents are ecstatic by his improvement over the past two weeks, but he still has a long road to recovery.
The GoFundMe campaign established for Cantu (above) has thus far raised $47,000. Wednesday, his family said, “He is HOME!” We relied on FAITH in the Lord and your prayers to see this day!”
The family stated in a statement sent to Twitter by their attorney Ben Crump, ‘Our family’s prayers have been answered, and we are extremely thankful that our son Erik is home with us.’
Erik still has a long road of rehabilitation ahead of him, but we are ecstatic with his recent development.
They continued, ‘It means the world to us that we can celebrate Thanksgiving with our family outside of the hospital walls, where we have resided since Erik’s tragic injury.
This week, we are grateful for numerous blessings, including Erik’s strength, the support of everyone who has stood by us during Erik’s hospitalization, and God’s grace. Thank you.’
A GoFundMe campaign established for Cantu has thus far raised $47,000.
Cantu (pictured) will be allowed to celebrate Thanksgiving for the first time since he was shot many times by Texas police officer James Brennand about two months ago. His relatives said, “This is Erik’s miracle!”
Cantu’s uncle Ruben Carranco had sent a message stating that the adolescent’remains in critical condition, on life support’ at University Hospital in San Antonio and that his injuries are’severe’.
He stated that the monies will be utilized to cover Cantu’s medical expenses and assist his parents in providing care.
The San Antonio Express-News reported earlier this month that his family stated he was awake and engaging with others after being taken off a ventilator.
Later, police stated that Brennand was responding to an unrelated incident when he noticed the adolescent in a vehicle he suspected had fled him the day before during an attempted traffic check.
After the incident, the 27-year-old rookie officer was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a public official and discharged from the force.
After approaching the automobile, which he believed to be stolen, Brennand did not follow police protocols and training, according to authorities.
Brennand (shown on the left) was terminated from the police department after being charged with two charges of aggravated violence on a public authority.
Brennand opens the door of his car and directs Cantu (shown on the right) to escape, according to body camera footage provided by police.
According to authorities, even though the license plates matched those of the vehicle, it was not stolen.
Brennand opens the door of his car and instructs Cantu to depart, according to police body camera footage.
The automobile then reverses with the door open, and the officer fires multiple shots at the vehicle while it drives away.
Wednesday, Cantu’s family posted on GoFundMe: ‘He is HOME! We relied on FAITH in the Lord and your prayers to see this day.
Weeks ago, we did not know what the future contained.
“Today we know that with faith, prayers, family, love, excellent physicians and nursing staff, and countless hours of rehabilitation in the future, our miracle has a shot!”
This is Erik’s miraculous work!
»San Antonio, Texas officer shoots teen in McDonald’s parking lot; teen returns home from hospital«