Texas Teen, in Critical Condition After San Antonio Police, Shot Him Several Times in McDonald's Parking Lot

A Texas teen enjoying his burger in his car in McDonald's parking lot was now fighting for his life when a San Antonio police officer shot him several times.

On the evening of October 2 in San Antonio, Erik Cantu, 17, and a female companion of the same age were riding in a car with the engine running when suddenly his driver's seat door was flung open.

According to News of San Antonio, a police officer told them to get out of the car.

Cantu quickly put the car in reverse and tried to drive away, but as he did so, his open door hit the officer.

Then, the San Antonio police, identified as James Brennand, shot Cantu ten times. The gruesome incident was caught on a police body camera.

The exchange took place in less than eight seconds, but it was long enough for Cantu to sustain critical injuries and for authorities to sack Brennand.

What Caused the San Antonio Police to Shoot the Texas Teen in McDonald's?

According to the department's training commander, Capt. Alyssa Campos, Brennand was trying to get information from witnesses when he noticed the vehicle that had evaded him the day before. He tried to stop the car as its registered plate did not match the vehicle.

However, Campos made it clear that Cantu's car was not the subject of the disturbance call.

She said the officer called for help after deciding that the car had been stolen, but the officer went to the car first. Campos says the officer "abruptly" opened the driver's door and told Cantu to get out of the vehicle.

NBC News noted that several gunshots can be heard in the footage as the maroon car moves away and the driver's door shuts. The video shows that more rounds are fired as the vehicle leaves the parking area.

The Texas teen and his friend were found almost a block away, and the girl did not get hurt. However, the police did not confirm if the car was stolen.

Police accused Cantu of assaulting a peace officer and using a car to evade arrest. Meanwhile, the online court documents say the charges were dropped, and the case is now closed.

San Antonio Police Chief Responds to Shooting at McDonald's Parking Lot

"There is nothing I can say in defense of that officer's actions that night," San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told News 4 San Antonio.

"I think what happened, initially, there was some contact made, but that did not justify the shooting."

McManus says the officer should not have fired his gun, even if the car door had hit him.

Brennand, the San Antonio police, was still on probation after seven months, which is customary for San Antonio police officers who were just out of the police academy.

"The former Officer's actions are indefensible and do not align with our training, tactics and procedures," McManus said. "As such, I terminated him. I will withhold further comment as this incident is still under investigation."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: RAW | San Antonio Police Department: Critical Incident Video Release 11700 Blanco - From San Antonio Police Department