[SAN ANTONIO, TX] – National Center for Police Defense (NCPD) has been notified by Officer James Brennand’s legal team that the criminal case against the former San Antonio Police Officer has been dismissed following nearly four years of legal proceedings. Officer Brennand’s defense attorney has confirmed that the criminal charges have been dropped after prosecutors moved to dismiss the case when a continuance was denied by the court. Court records indicate prosecutors have stated the charges could potentially be refiled following additional investigation.
While this marks a significant development, Officer Brennand’s legal battle is far from over. The subject injured during the 2022 incident continues to pursue civil litigation, and additional legal action has been threatened. As a result, Officer Brennand and his family remain under tremendous emotional and financial strain.
“The dismissal of the criminal case is an important step toward justice for James and his family, but it does not end the challenges they will continue to face,” said Bert Eyler, Vice President of the National Center for Police Defense. “NCPD remains steadfast in our commitment to stand beside and offer support for Officer Brennand as he continues defending himself against ongoing litigation. No officer should have to fight these battles alone.”
Officer Brennand has been supported by NCPD since the organization first became involved with his case. Our organization has worked alongside his legal team while also helping ease the financial burden placed on his family throughout the lengthy legal process. The organization will continue providing assistance as the civil case moves forward and he continues to fight for justice.
On October 1, 2022, around 8:45 p.m., Officer Brennand encountered a maroon BMW near U.S. Hwy 281 and Bitters Rd. When he activated his emergency lights, the BMW fled onto the highway, cutting off another vehicle. Adhering to SAPD policy, Brennand did not pursue but ran the plates, which did not match the vehicle, raising suspicions that it was stolen. The next day, Officer Brennand spotted the same vehicle while responding to a disturbance at a local McDonald’s. Fearing the suspect would once again flee, Brennand approached the vehicle alone before backup arrived, opened the door, and ordered the driver, Erik Cantu Jr., to get out. Cantu ignored the command, reversed the car, and dragged Brennand as the door struck him, according to passenger Emily Proulx. Believing the suspect was attempting to escape and was a danger to himself, his passenger, and the public, Brennand fired his service weapon into the vehicle, and fired again as Cantu drove away. Erik Cantu Jr. survived his injuries and passenger Emily Proulx was unharmed.
Officer James Brennand acted in a moment of chaos to protect our community, making a split-second decision as he was trained to do. Now, he is being vilified by a politically motivated district attorney with an anti-cop agenda. They’re trying to take Officer Brennand away from his family and from his 2-year-old son. James deserves justice, and we are fighting to clear his name. But the legal battle is overwhelming, and we cannot do it without your help.
National Center for Police Defense asks its supporters and the public alike to continue keeping Officer Brennand and his family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate the next phase of this case. Those wishing to support Officer Brennand’s ongoing legal defense and family assistance efforts can learn more through the National Center for Police Defense.
For more information, visit https://nationalcenterforpolicedefense.com/case-file/officer-james-brennand-san-antonio-tx/
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About National Center for Police Defense
The National Center for Police Defense (NCPD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing legal assistance, financial support, and advocacy for law enforcement officers who are unjustly prosecuted or financially burdened due to actions taken in the line of duty. Since its founding, NCPD has helped many officers and their families navigate challenging legal landscapes, ensuring they receive the defense and dignity they deserve.
Media Contact:
National Center for Police Defense, Inc.
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