Teen Who Fought For His Life After Being Shot By Cop Was Released From Hospital After 2 Months

After spending almost two months in the hospital, Erik Cantu who was struggling for his life after being shot by a San Antonio police officer has been discharged, his family announced on Wednesday, Nov. 23, said reports.

“We are incredibly grateful that our son is home with us,” the family said in a statement posted on Twitter by their attorney Ben Crump.

James Brennand, a Texas police officer, shot the teenager numerous times at the McDonald's parking lot. Erik was able to be home for Christmas with his family, who said their "prayers have been answered."

A media source claims that Cantu's family said he was on life support at one time during his bleak hospital stay. The family stated at the time that they had hope despite the dire circumstances.

The San Antonio Express-News reported earlier this month that the man's relatives claimed he was awake and conscious after being removed from a ventilator.

After an investigation into the incident on Oct. 2, Brennand is now being charged with two counts of aggravated assault by a public servant.

Shortly after the incident, he was fired.

Police accused Brennand of violating procedure and training after he went up to the car.

When Brennand, a rookie officer still on probation, arrived at the fast food restaurant to address an unrelated incident, Cantu was reportedly eating a burger inside the vehicle, said the police.

According to police training commander Alyssa Campos, Brennand saw Cantu's car, which he thought had eluded him the day before, and demanded the teenager come out of it before opening the driver's side door.

“With the vehicle door still open, the driver put the vehicle in reverse and attempted to leave. The officer was hit by the open door. The officer then stepped back and opened fire on the vehicle as the driver reversed away from him,” Campos said.

Before Cantu, who was in the car with an unharmed passenger, was located by police, Brennand is accused of firing his firearm multiple times as the vehicle reversed and continued as it fled the scene.

The car’s registration plates did not match the vehicle, but the car was not stolen, police said.